Rayan Cherki’s bright start to life at Manchester City has quickly made him one of the Premier League’s most intriguing young creators — but not everyone is convinced. Former France manager Raymond Domenech has publicly claimed the 22-year-old has “no chance” of making Didier Deschamps’ squad for the 2026 World Cup in North America, despite the midfielder’s impressive form since arriving from Lyon.
Cherki, who battled a thigh injury early in the season, has begun to feature regularly under Pep Guardiola and has already earned praise from both his manager and national team captain Kylian Mbappé. Yet Domenech’s scepticism, voiced on French television, has injected fresh debate into France’s attacking hierarchy heading into a crucial year.
With nine appearances, three goals and three assists for City across competitions, his adaptation has been rapid — and, as reported across French and English outlets, his chemistry with Erling Haaland has been particularly eye-catching. So why does a former France coach believe he still won’t make the plane to the World Cup? And does that argument hold up?
Can Rayan Cherki Really Miss the 2026 World Cup?
Domenech’s argument centres on France’s depth: Christopher Nkunku, Michael Olise, and Maghnes Akliouche are all vying for similar roles. In his words, Cherki only sneaks in “if he plays enough at Manchester City” — insisting minutes, not talent, will decide.
That stance feels harsh when viewed against Cherki’s output since returning from injury. Guardiola has openly described him as “one of the most talented players I have ever seen”, highlighting his composure and creativity in tight spaces. Mbappé has echoed that sentiment, calling him a “special talent” capable of producing moments few others in the squad can replicate.
Inside Pep Guardiola’s View of Cherki
“Rayan is one of the most talented players I have ever seen in my career… He is a player who doesn’t feel pressure. But he needs time to learn to play with his teammates.” — Pep Guardiola
Guardiola’s message is simple: trust the process. City’s system demands tactical maturity, and Cherki’s “street footballer” instincts will evolve with more game time. The early signs — particularly his link-up with Haaland and his willingness to demand the ball — suggest that evolution is already happening.
Numbers That Tell the Story
| Stat (2025/26) | Rayan Cherki |
|---|---|
| Appearances | 9 |
| Goals | 3 |
| Assists | 3 |
| Pass Accuracy | 84% |
source: Sofascore data – 18 November 2025
These numbers don’t just showcase a strong start — they highlight efficiency. Limited minutes (321 so far) have still resulted in decisive contributions, and his chance-creation metrics point to an increasing influence in the final third. His 4 big chances created underline why City use him as a high-value possession player rather than a traditional winger.
Our View: Why Domenech’s Claim Feels Premature
Having followed Manchester City closely this season, the contrast between Cherki’s impact and Domenech’s pessimism is stark. In our view, the former France boss is measuring Cherki by the wrong criteria. France rarely select purely on minutes — Deschamps values system fit, temperament, and tactical discipline. Cherki, despite his age, ticks more of those boxes now than he ever did at Lyon.
Another point worth raising: although France’s attacking depth is stacked, none of Olise, Nkunku, or Akliouche have had clean, uninterrupted seasons. Injuries, adaptation issues, and form swings could reshape the picture entirely by spring 2026. Domenech’s claim ignores that reality.
It’s also worth questioning whether a talent like Cherki — creative, fearless, and tactically versatile — is genuinely behind all three of the players Domenech listed. City will almost certainly give him more responsibility as the Champions League and Premier League campaigns intensify, which could turn this prediction on its head.
Added Insight: Squad Dynamics That Favour Cherki
One overlooked angle is Deschamps’ preference for players comfortable in multiple roles between midfield and attack. Cherki can operate as an eight, a ten, or an inverted winger — something that may give him an edge over more positional specialists. Because France’s system often relies on hybrid midfielders who can manipulate tight spaces, Cherki’s profile could be tailor-made for tournament football.
Key Insights
- Domenech claimed Cherki has “no chance” of making the 2026 World Cup squad.
- Guardiola and Mbappé strongly disagree, praising his talent and adaptation.
- Cherki has 3 goals and 3 assists in limited minutes for Man City.
- France’s depth is strong, but injuries and form swings may reshape selection.
- Tactical versatility could become Cherki’s World Cup lifeline.
What’s Next?
Manchester City return to Premier League action on 22 November 2025 against Newcastle United, a match Cherki is expected to feature in as Guardiola continues rotating ahead of the Champions League group-stage finale. France’s next international window arrives in March, giving Cherki several months to strengthen his World Cup case. If he continues contributing at his current rate, the conversation around his place in Deschamps’ squad will shift quickly.
👉 City fans — do you think Cherki deserves a place at the 2026 World Cup?
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