FIFA World Cup 2026 Qualifiers: Naby Keita Declines Michel Dussuyer's Call

Naby Keita has declined the call-up from Michel Dussuyer for the 5th and 6th rounds of the 2026 World Cup qualifiers. The Guinean midfielder prefers to focus on his physical fitness.

After an absence of nearly 11 months, Naby Keita returned to the field on February 23, 2025, with Ferencváros, the Hungarian club where he has been on loan since December 2024. He came on in the 88th minute during a 3-1 victory against Fehérvá. He then played around 40 minutes in the match between Ferencváros and Győri ETO FC in the OTP Bank Liga.

Naby Keita: Prioritizing recovery refore national team duties

Despite only having two 45-minute appearances in the 2024/2025 season, Naby Keita received a call from Michel Dussuyer. The Guinea coach wanted to rely on the 30-year-old midfielder's experience for the Sily National squad against Somalia and Uganda. However, Keita chose not to accept the French coach's invitation.

This refusal does not signal international retirement for the player with 54 caps, 11 goals, and 4 assists for Guinea. Naby Keita is not closing the door on future participation. Indeed, he wishes to first regain his optimal level and ensure he's at 100% of his abilities before donning the national jersey again.

Lydiane N'Po |

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Sports journalist specializing in African football, covering football news, exclusive stories and digital content for passionate fans of the game.