France's football team has been dealt a significant blow as their captain and star attacker, Kylian Mbappe, has been ruled out of their upcoming FIFA World Cup qualifying match against Azerbaijan.
Injury Sidelines Captain Mbappe
The French Football Federation (FFF) made the announcement on Friday, confirming that the 26-year-old Real Madrid forward is suffering from an inflammation in his right ankle. The federation stated that Mbappe will undergo further tests in Madrid to assess the severity of the issue.
This news comes just a day after Mbappe delivered a stellar performance, scoring two goals in France's commanding 4-0 victory over Ukraine on Thursday. That win officially secured Les Bleus' place in the 2026 World Cup to be held in North America.
Manager Didier Deschamps will also be without the services of Eduardo Camavinga, who is injured, and Manu Kone, who is suspended, for the final Group D game in Baku on Sunday.
A Night of Triumph and Tribute
The match against Ukraine at the Parc des Princes was an emotionally charged evening. Before the kick-off, a minute's silence was impeccably observed by the 41,000 spectators to honour the victims of the November 13, 2015 Paris attacks, marking its 10th anniversary.
On the pitch, Mbappe broke the deadlock with a coolly chipped penalty ten minutes into the second half. The impressive Michael Olise doubled the lead in the 76th minute. Mbappe then struck again, and Hugo Ekitike sealed the historic win with his first-ever goal for the national team.
France Looks Ahead to 2026
With this result, France now holds an unassailable six-point lead at the top of European qualifying Group D over both Iceland and Ukraine. This maintains France's perfect record of qualifying for every World Cup since missing the 1994 tournament.
Coach Didier Deschamps, who was also in charge during the 2015 attacks, expressed his pride in the team's achievement. "Given the context tonight, we are pleased to have put some smiles on faces by securing qualification," Deschamps said. "We have fulfilled our objective."
He also looked forward to the new challenge of the expanded 48-team World Cup format, acknowledging the complications it will bring but affirming France's obligation to go as far as possible. The draw for the finals is set for December 5 in Washington, D.C.
Meanwhile, Ukraine and Iceland will face each other on Sunday in a decisive match to determine who advances to the play-offs next March.
