Paul Pogba was once one of the most influential midfielders in world soccer, starring for France, Juventus and Manchester United while earning a reputation as one of the game's premier talents.
However, injuries and a lengthy doping suspension have disrupted the latter stages of his career, leaving him out of France's squad for the 2026 World Cup.
The Sporting News explains what happened to Pogba, where he is playing now and why he will not feature for Les Bleus this summer.
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What team does Paul Pogba play for now?
Pogba currently plays for Monaco, having joined the Ligue 1 club in 2025 following the end of his doping suspension.
The former Manchester United and Juventus midfielder returned to France in an attempt to restart his career after spending an extended period away from competitive action.
However, injuries have continued to limit his appearances, preventing Pogba from building the form and fitness that once made him one of the world's leading midfielders.
Why is Paul Pogba not playing for France at World Cup 2026?
Pogba was not selected in France's squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
He only registered 115 minutes across six Ligue 1 appearances following a prolonged absence from competitive action, making it difficult to force his way back into Didier Deschamps' plans ahead of the tournament.
With France possessing one of the deepest midfield groups in international soccer, Pogba ultimately missed out on a place in Les Bleus' World Cup squad.
Paul Pogba AS Monaco
Getty Images
Paul Pogba doping violation and ban
Pogba's career was significantly disrupted after he tested positive for DHEA, a banned substance that can increase testosterone levels, following a match for Juventus in August 2023.
The France international was initially handed a four-year suspension from soccer. However, the ban was later reduced to 18 months following a successful appeal, allowing Pogba to return to competitive action in 2025.
The suspension sidelined Pogba during a crucial stage of his career and contributed to a prolonged absence from both club and international soccer.
Did Paul Pogba win the World Cup with France?
Yes. Pogba was a key member of France's World Cup-winning squad in 2018.
The midfielder appeared in all seven of Les Bleus' matches in Russia and scored in the 4-2 victory over Croatia in the final. His performances throughout the tournament helped France lift the trophy for the second time in the nation's history.
The 2018 World Cup will remain the crowning achievement of Pogba's international career.
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