France celebrated its qualification, but beneath the triumphant glow of a 4-0 victory over Ukraine, a different storyline began to unfold—one that centers on Kylian Mbappe, the very star who lit up the Parc des Princes. As news spread that he had withdrawn from the national-team camp and returned to Madrid, the question pivoted sharply: problems for France, Mbappe injured—what exactly is going on? And crucially, what does this mean for France in the 2026 World Cup Qualification cycle and Real Madrid in La Liga?
The first bulletins offered only fragments. Mbappe had scored twice, he had broken personal milestones, he had been decisive once again—yet by the next morning, the focus had shifted entirely. Both France and Real Madrid, each treated as a singular soccer institution, were suddenly staring at uncertainty. What remained unclear, at least initially, was whether the injury was serious and how deeply it might impact the immediate sporting landscape.
France entered the match against Ukraine needing one more statement performance to confirm their place at the 2026 World Cup in the United States, Mexico, and Canada, and Mbappe delivered it emphatically.
The Real Madrid forward struck twice, one from the penalty spot and another after a fluid attacking move, bringing his senior-career total to 400 goals. As the FFF later noted, “Kylian Mbappe has felt an inflammation in his right ankle that requires tests.”
Yet on the pitch, none of that was visible. He played the full ninety minutes. He created danger repeatedly. He even assisted the fourth goal. It was the kind of performance that makes his subsequent withdrawal all the more jarring. Les Bleus confirmed qualification with ease. But the celebrations barely lasted before the federation released an unexpected statement.
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Video: Kylian Mbappe scores brace vs. Ukraine to send France to the 2026 World Cup
Mbappe withdraws, and the question becomes urgent
The 26-year-old has now been released from the France squad after experiencing persistent inflammation in his right ankle, the same issue that had already kept him out of a match during the previous international window. The French Football Federation stated that he would immediately return to Madrid for medical examinations, explaining: “He will undergo them today in Madrid.”
The federation further confirmed that he would miss the national team’s trip to Azerbaijan. Eduardo Camavinga and Manu Kone were also ruled out—one injured, one suspended—leaving Didier Deschamps with a more complicated end to the campaign than expected. Journalists in Spain and France noted that the discomfort had been lingering “for some time,” and that both club and country agreed this was the correct precaution
Kylian Mbappe of France celebrates scoring against Ukraine
Is the injury serious? What it really means for France and Real Madrid
Spanish reporting, including updates from multiple outlets, indicated there are no major concerns. One report emphasized that “Mbappe will not have to undergo any tests either,” describing the situation as discomfort rather than structural damage. This is the point where the cloud of uncertainty that opened the story begins to lift.
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The national team has already secured its place at the 2026 World Cup. But losing Mbappe, even for minor stretches, disrupts the rhythm, particularly in a squad already managing injuries to Camavinga and fitness concerns tied to a long club season. His absence means fewer minutes to build chemistry in a team transitioning toward Deschamps’s final major tournament. Yet the timing—qualification already sealed—softens the blow.
However, this is where the stakes rise sharply. Mbappe has been Madrid’s player of the season, scoring in all but four of his 16 games and contributing 59% of the club’s total goals. As the article notes, he has been ever-present under Xabi Alonso, indispensable in Los Blancos’ pursuit of both La Liga and the Champions League.
Kylian Mbappe of Real Madrid.
The club’s next fixtures—Elche, Olympiakos, Girona, and Athletic Club—all away—form a demanding stretch. The relief, then, is considerable: barring surprises, Mbappe and Camavinga are expected to be fully fit for Madrid’s return to action, Spanish journalist Arancha Rodriguez reveals.
