Is Kylian Mbappe Fit For FIFA World Cup Semifinal Clash Against Spain?

Published 14 July 2026 · sports

Is Kylian Mbappe Fit For FIFA World Cup Semifinal Clash Against Spain? Published By, Last Updated: July 14, 2026, 10:39 IST Kylian Mbappe did not

Is Kylian Mbappe Fit For FIFA World Cup Semifinal Clash Against Spain? Published By, Last Updated: July 14, 2026, 10:39 IST Kylian Mbappe did not take part in the full training session for France ahead of their world cup semifinal clash with Spain. Rapid Read Kylian Mbappe suffered an injury during France's quarterfinal win over Morocco. (AP Photo) France captain Kylian Mbappé picked up an injury during their FIFA World Cup quarter-final clash against Morocco last week, following which he was substituted. The two-time world champions went on to progress into the semi-finals with a 2-0 win. However, the ankle injury will not keep Mbappé away from their blockbuster semi-final meeting with former champions Spain tonight, scheduled to be held at the Dallas Stadium. “Kylian is fine," Didier Deschamps said, confirming the World Cup‘s joint-leading scorer’s availability.

However, the 28-year-old did not complete the full training session, which led to speculation over whether he’s fully fit. Deschamps explained, “Yes, he trained. He is allowed to do 10 minutes in one drill instead of 15." France Underdogs? Despite France’s unbeaten run to the semi-finals, Deschamps feels his team aren’t the favourites. “Forget about the first game against Cape Verde," Deschamps said of Spain’s campaign that began with a 0-0 draw against the World Cup debutants. “Ever since then, Spain have confirmed that they are the favourites." Deschamps was alluding to the remarks made by Spain’s 19-year-old prodigy Lamine Yamal after their quarter-final win over Belgium. “I believe if France has to fear anyone, it should be us, in my opinion. We were the ones that knocked them out before," Yamal had said.

France and Spain have faced each other once in the history of the tournament when the former secured a 3-1 win in a round of 16 game in 2006. However, Spain have prevailed in their previous two meetings. France are aiming to emulate five-time champions Brazil and four-time winners Germany as the only teams to make three World Cup finals in a row. While Brazil did it in 1994, 1998, and 2002, Germany finished runners-up in two straight editions before winning in 1990. In the second semi-final, England will face title holders Argentina. The final will be played on July 19 (July 20 in India) at the New Jersey Stadium. News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit About the Author Feroz Khan Feroz Khan has been covering sports for over 12 years now and is currently working with Network18 as Principal Correspondent.