He was selected for the France squad for the 1930 FIFA World Cup.[12] Chantrel appeared in all three of France's matches.[13]
During the first half of the first match against Mexico, with the score 1–0 in favour of France, goalkeeperAlex Thépot suffered an injury after a collision with a Mexican player, and was unable to continue playing. Substitutions were not allowed at the time, and Chantrel, a halfback, replaced Thépot in goal from the 24th minute until the end of the match, which France won.[14] Chantrel is the only player in World Cup history to see action as an outfield player and as a goalkeeper. He is also the only outfield player ever to replace a goalkeeper after having started the match at a different position.
Chantrel's last international match was against Germany on 19 March 1933.[15]