Injured Tottenham Hotspur star Randal Kolo Muani risks missing out on the FIFA World Cup 2026
Tottenham forward Randal Kolo Muani has struggled to make an impact for the Lilywhites since joining the club on a season-long loan in the summer. The France international arrived at N17 with high expectations after his permanent move to Juventus collapsed late in the transfer window. Tottenham saw an opportunity to bring him in, assuring him of regular game time.
Spurs moved swiftly for Kolo Muani after Dominic Solanke suffered an ankle injury early in the season. The 26-year-old had missed most of pre-season due to the constant uncertainty surrounding his future during the transfer window. That is exactly why the prolific forward is still taking time to adjust to the demands of the Premier League as he settles into life at N17.
He has delivered some impressive performances despite limited minutes this season. His displays against Everton and Copenhagen earned him the trust of Thomas Frank, who has handed him more opportunities in recent matches. Kolo Muani repaid that faith by providing an assist against Copenhagen in the Champions League, showing tremendous work rate and technical skill to set up Wilson Odobert for a simple finish.
Randal Kolo Muani needs to prove his worth at Tottenham to keep World Cup dream alive
Kolo Muani’s spell at Tottenham has unfortunately been overshadowed by repeated setbacks in recent weeks. The 26-year-old fractured his jaw after colliding with Manchester United defender Harry Maguire last weekend, ruling him out of the upcoming fixtures. This injury arrived just as he had returned from a dead leg that sidelined him for a month.
Journalist Harold Marchetti has now analysed the forward’s difficult start and assessed his World Cup prospects. Speaking to Le Parisien (via Sport Witness), Marchetti said,
“His difficult spell at PSG and his competition at Tottenham, particularly with Richarlison, show that his status remains fragile. But it’s precisely this aspect of being a ‘player who has to prove his worth in every match’ that makes him a valuable asset. [He’s] capable of breaking the deadlock and changing a match in a matter of moments.”
Marchetti believes Kolo Muani’s chances of making Didier Deschamps’ World Cup squad remain fragile, as he has yet to find his footing at Tottenham after slipping down the pecking order. Injuries have caused him to lose his place to Richarlison, meaning he will need to prove himself in every appearance if he hopes to retain his spot for France.
Patience is crucial when evaluating Randal Kolo Muani’s time at Tottenham. The France international clearly offers qualities that Richarlison cannot consistently provide, bringing more flair, technical ability and tactical versatility. His spatial awareness is excellent, and he consistently finds intelligent positions when leading the line. It seems only a matter of time before he finally opens his account for Spurs.
With the World Cup on the horizon, it remains to be seen how Thomas Frank opts to utilise Kolo Muani on a regular basis at N17. Will he make Didier Deschamps’ squad next summer? Only time will tell.