Kroupi rejects Portugal’s World Cup bid to pledge allegiance to France

Eli Junior Kroupi has chosen to represent France, rejecting an invitation to join Portugal’s squad for the 2026 World Cup, a decision that pits his multicultural heritage against his long‑standing ties to the French youth set‑up and opens a path to senior honours.

The Bournemouth forward is eligible for three nations: France, Portugal through his mother’s Portuguese descent, and the Ivory Coast where his father earned caps, making his choice a rare tri‑national option.

Former Portugal manager Roberto Martinez praised the decision, saying: “Junior wanted to represent France, so we respect that.”

At 20, Kroupi has featured at every French youth level from under‑16 to under‑21, accumulating 39 appearances. I was born in France, I started playing football in France. I can’t see myself moving to a culture I don’t know! The French national team is the goal.”

France senior squad competition

Should he earn a senior call‑up, he will compete with established forwards such as Kylian Mbappé, the all‑time record scorer with 67 goals in 107 caps at 27, Ballon d’Or winner Ousmane Dembélé, and Hugo Ekitike, who is returning from a long injury lay‑off. New head coach Zinedine Zidane has also promoted Rennes striker Esteban Lepaul, who netted 21 goals last season.

Despite his youth pedigree, Kroupi has yet to make a senior appearance for France, and his senior club debut remains pending.

Bournemouth comeback and upcoming fixture

He has not featured for Bournemouth this season after undergoing foot surgery in the summer, but has now resumed training, a boost for the Cherries. The club’s away clash with Manchester United on Sunday could provide his first senior appearance.

The Premier League fixture is set to go ahead despite Storm Boelo bringing strong winds and a yellow weather warning for Merseyside. Racing at Aintree was cancelled, yet Liverpool confirmed their match against Brighton will proceed, even though Anfield lies a stone’s throw from the disrupted venue.

The announcement was illustrated with a Getty photograph of Kroupi training at the club’s facilities.