Kylian Mbappé limped off in the 77th minute of France’s 2‑0 World Cup quarter‑final victory over Morocco on 9 July 2026, labeling the setback a “minor ankle injury” and confirming he feels “completely fine.”
What happened?
The French forward opened the scoring in the second half, slotting a crisp finish that put Les Bleus ahead. Ousmane Dembélé added a second, sealing a comfortable lead. Earlier, Mbappé’s penalty – earned after being fouled by Morocco’s Noussair Mazraoui – was saved by goalkeeper Yassine Bounou, leaving the score unchanged until his later strike.
At the 77th minute, with Morocco pressing, Mbappé raised his arm, walked to the bench and lay down briefly before being assisted by a medical staff member. He emerged with an ice pack on his right foot, waved to the crowd and exchanged high‑fives with teammates. The match continued, and France held on for the 2‑0 win.
Why it matters for Kylian Mbappé
The injury comes as Mbappé sits level with Lionel Messi at eight goals in the race for the World Cup Golden Boot. A prolonged absence could jeopardise his chance to claim the award. Coach Didier Deschamps reassured fans, noting the pain was slight and that Jean‑Philippe Mateta was simply fresher for the final minutes.
Mbappé has played full 90‑minute spells against Senegal and Paraguay, while Deschamps has rested him strategically against Iraq, Norway and Sweden in the group stage. Maintaining his fitness is vital for France’s semi‑final clash in Dallas on 14 July, where they will face either Spain or Belgium.
What does the coach say?
After the game, Deschamps told Spanish outlet COPE that Mbappé’s ankle “has a slight pain, but nothing serious.” He added that the French side would monitor the situation closely ahead of the upcoming semi‑final. The coach’s optimism suggests the Real Madrid star should be available, barring any aggravation.
What’s next for France?
France now prepares for a semi‑final on 14 July at AT&T Stadium in Dallas. A win would send them to the final, where they could chase a sixth World Cup title. Mbappé’s presence will be a key factor, especially if the Golden Boot race tightens.
If the ankle holds up, Mbappé could add another goal to his tally and help France secure a place in the final. If not, France may need to rely on Mateta, Dembélé or other attacking options to fill the void.
The French camp remains hopeful, and fans will be watching the medical updates closely as the tournament reaches its climax.