Hugo Lloris is open to reversing his decision to retire from international football and returning to the French national team for the 2026 World Cup, according to L’Équipe.
The legendary French goalkeeper retired from Les Bleus in January 2023, and since then, Mike Maignan of AC Milan has been Didier Deschamps’ first-choice goalkeeper.
The 39-year-old Lloris has been enjoying excellent form with LA Galaxy recently and is now open to the possibility of returning to the French national team, even if it means becoming the third-choice goalkeeper.
Deschamps has yet to decide on his third-choice goalkeeper, with names like Lucas Chevalier, Alphonse Areola, Jean Boëtiz, and Robin Reiser all under consideration. Now, Lloris has been added to the list, but he has decided not to pursue the position out of respect for the other goalkeepers.
However, Lloris hopes that his presence in the dressing room and his clear positive influence since the 2018 World Cup will entice Deschamps to make this move. The goalkeeper also doesn’t intend to push for a starting position; he simply wants to play a leadership role, which would ultimately benefit everyone involved.
Undoubtedly, Lloris’s form—he is the most capped player in French history—could attract Deschamps. He recently kept eight clean sheets in nine MLS matches and extended his goal-free streak to 593 minutes.
Lloris’s familiarity with the United States, having spent the last two years there, could also strengthen the case for his return to Deschamps’ squad in a leadership role that would help the players adapt optimally for the upcoming World Cup.
