Overview
- France left Pogba out of its 2026 World Cup squad, with coaches citing his lack of recent playing time and match fitness.
- Pogba tested positive for the banned substance DHEA after an August 2023 match and was initially handed a multi-year ban that was reduced on appeal to 18 months.
- He signed for AS Monaco after the suspension ended in 2025 to restart his career but managed only limited minutes in Ligue 1 because of recurring injuries.
- Reports say Pogba made a personal visit to the France team hotel before the squad's opening match, a gesture that did not change his omission from the tournament.
- Pogba has not played for France since 2022 and his absence underlines both the long-term impact of the suspension and the depth of France's midfield options.