Will Mbappe play against Spain with an injury? Concern in France

The French national team is facing a worrying situation regarding its main star ahead of the 2026 World Cup semifinal. Kylian Mbappe According to RMC Sport, the forward has not fully recovered before the decisive match against Spain.

Heel pain persists

Mbappe could not continue the quarterfinal match against Morocco due to pain in his right heel. He was substituted in the 77th minute.

France won that match 2-0 and reached the semifinal. However, the victory brought a new headache for Didier Deschamps: Mbappe's physical condition.

Reports suggest the forward trained separately from the team and did not work with the ball.

Deschamps trusts him

Despite concerns about the injury, France head coach Didier Deschamps expects Mbappeto take the field in the semifinal.

This decision is understandable. Because for the current France team, Mbappe is not just a forward — he is the central figure of the entire attacking system.

When he is on the pitch, the Spanish defense is always forced to play deeper. Without him, France's main counter-attacking threat is significantly reduced.

8 goals and 1 assist: difficult to replace

Mbappe has played in all six of France's matches at the 2026 World Cup. He has 8 goals and 1 assist to his name.

These numbers show how important he is to the team.

France has other strong forwards, but it is very difficult to fully replace Mbappe's speed, his ability to penetrate the penalty area, and his knack for changing the outcome of a game in an instant.

What is this signal for Spain?

For the Spanish national team, Mbappe not being fully fit could be an interesting tactical signal.

If he starts, Spanish defenders must be ready for his explosive runs. But if Mbappe plays through pain, there might be a plan to pressure him constantly and engage him in physical contact.

At the same time, such stars can decide a game in one moment even when not at 100 percent. Therefore, the idea for Spain that “Mbappe is injured, so the danger is reduced” could be their biggest mistake.

Will France take the risk?

The semifinal is a stage where you can take risks, but mistakes are unforgivable.

Deschamps has two paths: start Mbappe to put pressure on the opponent from the beginning, or manage his condition and use him when necessary.

However, for France, a starting lineup without Mbappe could be a huge psychological blow. The opponent's defense would feel freer, and France's depth in attack would diminish.

Every detail matters in this game

France and Spain will take the field in the 2026 World Cup semifinal to become the tournament's first finalist.

In this game, the condition of one player can change the entire scenario. Especially if that player is Kylian Mbappe.

The main question for France is: how ready is Mbappe? For Spain, the question is different: even if he is not 100 percent ready, how can he be stopped?

The biggest intrigue before the semifinal

Mbappe has not managed to fully recover. But he is expected to be in the starting lineup.

This is both a risk and a hope for France before the semifinal. If he shows his level despite the pain, it could be a very difficult night for Spain. If the injury affects him, there is a possibility that France's biggest weapon will not be able to show its full power.

Now all eyes are on one question: can Mbappe have his decisive say against Spain even with an injury?