Como's Jean Butez reveals France World Cup dream

The French goalkeeper is hoping to earn a spot on the national team ahead of the 2026 World Cup.

Published on Feb. 10, 2026

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Jean Butez, the goalkeeper for Italian club Como, has revealed his ambition to earn a spot on the French national team for the 2026 World Cup. Butez, who previously came through the youth academy at Lille, has established himself as a starter in one of Europe's top five leagues for the first time in his career. With the current French national team goalkeepers in precarious situations, Butez sees an opportunity to potentially earn a call-up to the national team.

Why it matters

The French national team has a rich history of world-class goalkeepers, and the competition to earn a spot on the roster is fierce. Butez's emergence as a starting goalkeeper in a top European league could put him in the mix for a spot on the 2026 World Cup squad, especially with some uncertainty around the current backup options behind starter Mike Maignan.

The details

Butez joined Como in January 2025 after coming through the youth academy at Lille but never making a first-team appearance for the Ligue 1 club. Now the 30-year-old French goalkeeper is establishing himself as a starter in one of Europe's top five leagues for the first time in his career. With current French national team goalkeepers Brice Samba, Alphonse Areola, and Lucas Chevalier all facing uncertain situations at their respective clubs, Butez sees an opportunity to potentially earn a call-up to the national team ahead of the 2026 World Cup.

  • Butez joined Como in January 2025.
  • Butez is now a starting goalkeeper in one of Europe's top five leagues.

The players

Jean Butez

A 30-year-old French goalkeeper who currently plays for Italian club Como.

Mike Maignan

The current starting goalkeeper for the French national team.

Brice Samba

A French goalkeeper who has occupied a backup role for the national team.

Alphonse Areola

A French goalkeeper who has occupied a backup role for the national team.

Lucas Chevalier

A French goalkeeper who has recently emerged as a potential option for the national team.

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What they’re saying

“If you had asked my the question six months ago, it wasn't even a topic for me. It is now more of one.”

— Jean Butez, Goalkeeper, Como (Get French Football News)

“I am starting to establish myself at a club in a big European league. That already means a lot to me to be in the discussion.”

— Jean Butez, Goalkeeper, Como (Get French Football News)

What’s next

Butez will look to continue his strong performances for Como in order to potentially earn a call-up to the French national team ahead of the 2026 World Cup.

The takeaway

Jean Butez's emergence as a starting goalkeeper in a top European league has put him on the radar for a potential spot on the French national team roster for the 2026 World Cup, especially with some uncertainty around the current backup options behind starter Mike Maignan.