Kylian Mbappé ruled out of France squad’s upcoming Nations League matches

Saturday 26 September 2026 - 14:10

Kylian Mbappé will miss the remainder of France’s current international gathering after sustaining a knee injury during the team’s Nations League opener against Turkey, according to L’Équipe.

The France captain left the squad’s hotel on Saturday morning after discussions between the national team’s medical staff and their counterparts at Real Madrid. The forward is now expected to continue his recovery under the supervision of his club.

Mbappé leaves camp after scoring against Turkey

Mbappé made an immediate impact in Zinedine Zidane’s first match as France head coach, scoring the only goal in Friday’s 1-0 victory away to Turkey.

The forward was forced off just five minutes after finding the net, however, after suffering a blow to his left knee during the scoring move.

The injury has now ruled him out of the matches that remain during the current international window. France will not call up a replacement, meaning Zidane will work with the players already selected for the squad.

Zidane keeps existing attacking options

The France coach had several potential alternatives available, including Marcus Thuram, Christopher Nkunku, Moussa Diaby and Mickaël Pagis.

Instead, Zidane has opted not to make another addition to the squad. The decision leaves the existing group of forwards with greater responsibility as France prepares for a demanding run of Nations League fixtures.

The team is scheduled to hold a closed training session at 7 p.m. at Union Saint-Gilloise’s training centre as preparations continue for the next match.

A winning start for Zidane

Mbappé’s injury comes after an encouraging opening night for Zidane in charge of the national team.

France secured a 1-0 victory in Turkey, giving the former France midfielder a winning debut on the international bench. According to L’Équipe, Zidane becomes the first France head coach since Aimé Jacquet in 1994 to win his opening match in charge of Les Bleus.

Mbappé’s goal ultimately proved decisive, but his early departure has added a concern to a campaign that now moves into a demanding sequence of fixtures.

Belgium and Italy await France

France will have little time to adjust, with three Nations League matches scheduled in quick succession.

The next challenge comes against Belgium on September 28. France will then host Italy on October 2 before facing Belgium again three days later.

With Mbappé unavailable, Zidane will have to manage the attacking resources already at his disposal while preparing France for the next stage of the competition.