Pogba targets World Cup as Monaco set three-month rehabilitation timeline
Paul Pogba is not expected to make his debut for Monaco for three months, having sealed his long-awaited return to football this week.
Paul Pogba hopes to represent France at the 2026 World Cup after joining Monaco, who do not expect the midfielder to make his competitive debut for three months.
Earlier this week, Pogba signed a two-year deal with the Ligue 1 club, having been a free agent since Juventus terminated his contract in November 2024.
That came after Pogba was handed a four-year suspension over a failed anti-doping test, which was reduced to 18 months on appeal.
Pogba's last appearance for Juventus came in a 2-0 Serie A win over Empoli in September 2023, and footage shared by Monaco showed the 32-year-old in tears as he signed his contract.
Speaking at his unveiling afterwards, Pogba said: "I was overwhelmed with emotion at that moment. I must say that it's very rare to see me cry like that, so I hope you enjoyed it!
"A lot of images that came to mind, in relation to what I went through.
"To come back and sign for AS Monaco, for a club that believed in me... all of that came back to me at the moment of my signing, which meant that I couldn’t hold back.
"But above all, it was a moment of joy! I also feel a lot of determination in me, and I think I made the best choice in coming here."
Pogba told reporters there was no reason why he would not be able to play in Monaco's Ligue 1 opener versus Le Havre on August 17, but sporting director Thiago Scuro feels he will need longer to reach peak physical condition.
"I can guarantee you that Paul won't be able to play against Le Havre. He must have been joking. We have to be realistic and honest," Scuro said.
"We expect a three-month process to be able to rehabilitate him. When you see it on TV, high-level sport can seem easy, but you have to realise the intensity required.
"Monaco is one of the most intense teams in Ligue 1 and in Europe, in terms of play. Our players have to be very fit to be on the pitch. It's our job to give him the tools to do that."
Should Pogba return to his previous levels, Scuro sees no reason why the 2018 World Cup winner cannot gatecrash Didier Deschamps' plans for the 2026 tournament.
"He has the desire to play at the next World Cup," Scuro said. "It was a big part of his motivation. He wants his kids to see him playing at the top level.
"He wants to build his image for his kids also — this was a very, very important trigger that we also found — and again, he's a top athlete, top player."
