Eli Junior Kroupi makes national team decision after rejecting World Cup place

The 20-year-old Bournemouth forward has chosen to represent France at senior level after turning down a Portugal World Cup offer, citing his upbringing and youth career in French football.

Eli Junior Kroupi, eligible to play for France, Portugal, or Ivory Coast through family connections, has decided to commit his international future to France. Born in France with a Portuguese mother and Ivorian father, Kroupi turned down an opportunity to play for Portugal at the 2026 World Cup. "Junior wanted to represent France, so we respect that," said former former Portugal head coach Roberto Martinez. The 20-year-old has represented France at every youth level from U16 to U21 and is now targeting senior selection. "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," he told DAZN.

Kroupi faces stiff competition for a starting role, with Kylian Mbappé (67 goals, 107 caps), Ballon d'Or holder Ousmane Dembélé, and Rennes forward Esteban Lepaul—who scored 21 goals last season—all options for new France head coach Zinedine Zidane. At club level, Kroupi has yet to feature for Bournemouth this season after undergoing foot surgery in the summer but has now returned to training.