Super League players named in France's World Cup qualifying squad

France have unveiled an expanded group for the next two international qualifying matches for the 2026 Rugby League World Cup – and there’s a heavy Betfred Super League presence.

On Tuesday 22 October in Carcassonne, France will face Ukraine with the aim of qualifying for the final on Saturday 26 October in Saint-Estève.

Among this group, 13 Super League players have been named.

The squad includes eight Catalans Dragons players with Guillermo Aispuro-Bichet, Yacine Ben Abdeslem, Alrix Da Costa, Theo Fages, Matthieu Laguerre, Clement Martin, Arthur Romano and Cesar Rouge having all been selected.

The Dragons, who narrowly missed out on this year’s Super League Play-Offs due to points difference, should be fresh and raring to go for these upcoming internationals.

Both Fages and Rouge have been two of Catalans’ most prominent playmakers in 2024, with a mixture a young talent and experience present from the Dragons side.

Mickael Goudemand and Justin Sangare are the Leeds Rhinos duo also involved. Both suffered injury lay-offs mid-season but returned to action at the beginning of August and had since impressed with their strong performances.

There are also sole representatives from three other Super League clubs – Hugo Salabio of Huddersfield Giants, Ugo Tison of London Broncos and Wigan Warriors’ Tiaki Chan.

France’s head coach, Laurent Frayssinous, commented: "We are aware of the challenge that awaits us during this European Cup, and we have the clear and precise objective of getting closer to qualifying for the next World Cup.

“That means winning this tournament and we're all excited to get together and can't wait to start preparing together."

For the full squad, click here.