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Kylian Mbappe suffered an ankle injury during France’s 2-0 win over Morocco in the FIFA World Cup 2026 quarterfinal.
Kylian Mbappe (10) reacts after being tripped during the quarterfinal. (AP Photo)
France captain Kylian Mbappe has dismissed concerns over an ankle injury that forced him off during his side’s FIFA World Cup 2026 quarter-final win over Morocco on Thursday. Mbappe claims that it’s a minor concern.
Mbappewho was substituted late in France’s 2-0 victory at Boston Stadium, explained that the decision was tactical rather than injury-driven, with Jean-Philippe Mateta introduced to see out the closing stages of the match.
“It’s a minor ankle injury, but I’m fine. In that moment, I think Mateta was better suited to continue for the remaining minutes of the match. But I’m fine, don’t worry,” Mbappe said after France became the first team to qualify for the semi-finals.
Quoting a source, ESPN reported, “There are no concerns to have on Kylian’s ankle.”
The 27-year-old urged his teammates to remain focused despite reaching a third consecutive FIFA World Cup last-four stage, warning that tougher challenges still lie ahead.
“There can be no let-up. There is still a long way to go, and what lies ahead will be even tougher,” he said.
FIFA Golden Ball Standings After France-Morocco Quarterfinal
France sealed their spot after a gripping quarter-final, with Mbappe and Ousmane Dembele scoring in the second half to continue the defending champions’ impressive run in the tournament.
Mbappe’s performance also earned him the Player of the Match award for the third time in the 2026 World Cup.
The forward continued his remarkable form by opening the scoring against Morocco, taking his tally to 20 FIFA World Cup goals across the 2018, 2022 and 2026 editions. The strike moved him within one goal of Lionel Messi’s all-time tournament record of 21 World Cup goals.
It was also Mbappe’s eighth goal of the ongoing tournament, drawing him level with Argentina’s Messi at the top of the Golden Boot standings.
France will play the winner of the second quarterfinal between Spain and Belgium in the semifinals.
“We are very happy. We are aware that there is only one way to relax, it’s to win. But we still have a long way. We know that what is coming next will be even harder, but we are ready for face anything. We will recover nicely and watch the game tomorrow to see who we will face,” Mbappe said.
About the Author
Feroz Khan has been covering sports for over 12 years now and is currently working with Network18 as Principal Correspondent. He embarked on his journey in 2011 and has since acquired vast experience …Read More
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