Mbappé allays ankle concern as France reaches WC semifinals
Get the Sports newsletter
Daily sports — scores, transfers, the storylines from the leagues you actually follow. Free.
- Mbappé downplayed an ankle knock he suffered during France's 2-0 World Cup quarterfinal win over Morocco on Thursday in Foxborough, Massachusetts, telling reporters 'I'm all good' after being substituted in the 77th minute for Jean-Philippe Mateta.
- A source told ESPN there are 'no concerns to have on Kylian's ankle,' and the 27-year-old led post-match celebrations on the pitch and in the changing room with ice strapped to his right foot.
- After missing a first-half penalty, Mbappé scored his eighth goal of the tournament to tie Lionel Messi at the top of the scoring chart, then assisted Ousmane Dembélé's strike six minutes later for his third assist.
- Mbappé has now registered 10-plus goal involvements in both of the last two World Cups (8 goals, 2 assists in 2022; 8 goals, 3 assists in 2026) — the only player since 1966 to achieve this in two tournaments.
- His 11 goal involvements in 2026 are the most by a single player since Gerd Müller in 1970 (10 goals, 3 assists).
- Mbappé acknowledged his close friendship with Morocco captain Achraf Hakimi, a former PSG teammate, saying 'when I will go to see him in the dressing room, it will hit me' — but adding 'here, there is no sentiment.'
- France will play either Spain or Belgium in the semifinals in Arlington, Texas, on Tuesday.
Why it matters: With Mbappé's health confirmed and his scoring form matching Messi's at eight goals, France enter the final four with a decisive attacking edge — his 11 goal involvements are the most by any single player since Müller's 1970 tournament. But the bracket only stiffens from here: Spain or Belgium awaits in Arlington on Tuesday.
