NEW DELHI: France coach Didier Deschamps downplayed the concerns Kylian Mbappéof fitness, confirming that the captain is expected to be available for the 2026 FIFA World Cup semi-final against Spain.Mbappe picked up a minor ankle injury during France’s 2-0 quarter-final win over Morocco but is not expected to miss the crucial clash.
Deschamps provides Mbappe fitness update
Speaking ahead of the semi-final, Deschamps reassured fans that the France skipper was fine despite the injury.“Kylian is fine,” Deschamps said.Mbappe did not complete France’s last training session after picking up the knock against Morocco. The forward, who was substituted late in the match, had his workload reduced as a precaution.Explaining the decision, Deschamps said:“Yes, he trained. He is allowed to do 10 minutes in a drill instead of 15.”The France captain was only partially involved in training, but the injury is not expected to keep him out of the semi-finals.
France faces Spain in the semis
France will face a confident Spain who reached the semi-finals after beating Belgium 2-1 in the quarter-finals.Spain are unbeaten in their last 36 matches and will look to continue that run by booking a place in the World Cup finals.The winner of the blockbuster semi-final will face either Argentina or England in the final on July 20.