Crystal Palace striker Jean-Philippe Mateta will give his all to nail down a spot in France's World Cup squad.
The 28-year-old earned his maiden France call-up during the October international break and scored on his first start, a 2-2 draw with Iceland.Mateta, a late bloomer, has been in blistering form since Oliver Glasner took charge at Crystal Palace in February 2024, netting 37 goals in 71 appearances – 16 more than he managed in the four years before the Austrian’s arrival.
Despite underperforming his expected goals this season, the Frenchman has already scored five league goals, a milestone reached 12 games earlier than last term.
Mateta Happy With Form as He Eyes World Cup Spot
Jean-Philippe Mateta Crystal Palace
Mateta scored his second Premier League hat-trick in Saturday’s draw with Bournemouth and will look to carry that momentum into Thursday’s Conference League clash with AEK Larnaca, hoping to show France boss Didier Deschamps that he can be a consistent threat on the international stage.
Competition for a spot in France’s World Cup squad is fierce, with Mateta’s recent call-up only coming due to Marcus Thuram’s injury. However, the striker will not have to wait long to discover whether he impressed Deschamps enough to retain his place, with the next international window under three weeks away.
“I’m very proud of myself. I’m very happy. I think I deserved the call-up because I train really hard. It’s a dream come true and hopefully I get called up again.
“It’s my dream to go to the World Cup and I will do everything to go there,” said Mateta. “But first, I have to do the job with Crystal Palace, every day and every game.
Mateta’s Palace contract expires at the end of next season, and although he may angle for a move away from Selhurst Park in the summer, the Eagles frontman insists his future is not on his mind.
“I’m focused on my season. If they offer me a contract, we will see what happens. I’m just thinking about the game tomorrow."