Boasting seven points from four matches, Madagascar have emerged as one of the surprise contenders in African qualifying for a FIFA World Cup 26™ berth, with that tally currently placing them third in Group I. While they failed to make it to what would have been only a second Africa Cup of Nations in last November’s qualifiers, the island nation still have plenty of positives to hold onto heading into what promises to be a huge 2025.
Clement Couturier has become a key reason behind the current side’s success. Born in the French town of Chaumont, Couturier, who has a Madagascan grandfather, had to hold off receiving his first call-up until he turned 29. The decision was made by former coach Romuald Rakotondrabe, and the reward for the midfielder – who had given up hope of an international career – would be nothing short of remarkable.
“I got a call sometime in 2023 telling me I was being scouted, so I was happy about that,” the 31-year-old recalled exclusively to FIFA. “One day I got a call from the coach, who then came to see me during my time in Luxembourg. He told me about the team and how it worked, and I told him I wanted to join. I was first called up in November 2023, so it’s all very new.”
His baptism of fire came during the Barea’s opening qualifier for World Cup 26, as Rayan Raveloson and his team-mates faced a daunting trip to Kumasi to take on Group I favourites Ghana. Although Couturier has already had his share of thrills in the past, including an unpredictable French Cup final in 2018 when he lost 2-0 to Paris Saint-Germain with third division Les Herbiers, the days leading up to that encounter will stay with him for the rest of his life.
“It felt a bit weird because I didn’t believe in it until I joined up with the national team,” said the midfielder. “Initially, I thought, ‘this isn’t possible’ because I’d been keeping an eye on the national team. There were players from the French top flight and others who played in better leagues than me. Although Luxembourg is a good place to play, it still has a low-level league, so I thought I might not be up to the task, and I didn’t know what would happen.”
Couturier remained on the bench for the first match against the Black Stars, but watched events closely, soaking up first-hand what was to come in a top-level international match. What did he see from the sidelines? Simply put, Madagascar’s players are hard-working, committed and show great promise.
“The stands were packed and it was boiling hot. Having lived in Europe all my life, I wasn’t used to things like that, so I was naturally a bit taken aback,” he said. “It was quite breathtaking. Then, the slightly frustrating thing about that game was that we conceded a last-minute goal, around the 94th minute. We put in a solid performance, hit the woodwork twice and got punished at the end.”
They may have fallen by the narrowest of margins to Ghana, but Madagascar’s players have since gone unbeaten in their qualifying campaign. They went on to win 3-0 in Chad a few days later, with Couturier in the starting line-up. A few months after that, the East African islanders picked up another win over previously unbeaten Comoros, before a goalless draw with Mali rubber-stamped an impressive start to the qualifiers.
Once qualifying kicks off again in March, Madagascar will be well-placed to challenge for top spot in the group. The Barea will be looking to extend their good run of form in the Central African Republic and then in a return fixture against Ghana, this time on home soil. As for Couturier, he remains hopeful of getting back in the side with the appointment of French coach Corentin Martins.
“The national team is important to me, even if I’m getting on a bit and there are youngsters out there doing the job too who could eventually replace me,” he said. “But I’m determined to keep going in this direction. Madagascar has played a small but important part in my career and I really want to continue.”
Since making his international debut, the midfielder has also decided to change leagues. After a spell in Luxembourg’s top flight, he recently made the switch back to his homeland, where he now plays for non-professional club FC Villefranche-Beaujolais. The Caladois outfit may be a long way from the French top flight in the third division, but Couturier firmly believes in the competitiveness of this league, home to renowned French clubs such as FC Sochaux, AS Nancy and Valenciennes FC.
“I don’t think it will hinder my chances in the national team,” said the 31-year-old. “The Madagascan national team includes a few players who play in Ligue 1 and Ligue 2. There are also players who play in lower-level leagues, and some even play in Madagascar or La Reunion.”
Couturier was also thrilled by the faith shown in him by the club when he was appointed captain. “Given my role as an experienced player with top-level international experience, I thought it was an interesting challenge. I never once thought that I was taking a step backwards, but instead I felt like it was a new chapter.”
Speaking of new chapters, the one that the national side are entering could take Madagascar to a first-ever FIFA World Cup next year. But will it have a happy ending?
“I don’t know if we’ll make it to the World Cup,” replied Couturier. “The key to a successful campaign is to secure one of the top two places (the group winners qualify directly for the World Cup, while the four best runners-up move on to the third round). That’s clear to me because even if we finish third, there will be nothing to show for it, which would be a disappointment.”
Ahead of the last six qualifiers of the campaign, Couturier and his team-mates have put Madagascar on the right track and restored the hopes of an entire nation. Whatever happens between now and the end of the qualifiers, the road to Canada, Mexico and the USA will be unforgettable for the Barea.
