What was expected to be a routine international camp ahead of the UEFA Nations League semi-finals has been anything but. With France scheduled to face Spain on June 5, Mbappe’s delayed arrival at the Clairefontaine training center has sparked outrage among French staff and raised further concerns about the ongoing club vs. country battle—one that has flared up right before the prestigious FIFA Club World Cup.
At the heart of the storm is Real Madrid’s decision to instruct Kylian Mbappe and Aurelien Tchouameni to join up with the France squad later than expected. According to Diario Sport and L’Equipe, Los Blancos requested that both players arrive only by June 2, which aligns with FIFA’s mandated deadline but clashes with France’s intended date of May 30.
“Mbappe and Tchouameni were expected to report to camp on Friday, 30 May. Their delayed arrival, now set for June 2, has left French coaches deeply frustrated,” reports Diario Sport.
The reason? Madrid wants their stars fully rested ahead of the newly revamped Club World Cup, which begins June 14 in the United States. Their first match is scheduled for June 18, meaning the tight schedule could put extra strain on players involved in both tournaments—especially if France reaches the Nations League final on June 8.
Deschamps frustrated but still relies on his captain
Didier Deschamps, France’s head coach, has made no secret of his displeasure. Already dealing with a depleted squad—six players were unavailable due to the UEFA Champions League final—Deschamps is relying on Mbappe to lead a young and slightly patched-up side.
The delayed arrival, however, has complicated preparations. Mbappe, despite missing some fixtures in 2023 due to injury, remains central to France’s strategy, and his late arrival could disrupt tactical plans in the limited time before their showdown with Spain.
“Deschamps opted not to include Mbappe last November due to previous fitness concerns,” writes Diario Sport. “Now, with no such issues, the delay stems from Madrid’s club-first agenda.”
Kylian Mbappe of France
Timeline of conflict
- May 30: France’s official camp opens—Mbappe and Tchouameni are absent.
- June 2: The players are expected to report, the latest allowed by FIFA rules.
- June 5: France vs. Spain in UEFA Nations League semi-final.
- June 8: Final or third-place match, depending on result.
- June 14: Club World Cup kicks off.
- June 18: Real Madrid plays its opening match.
If Les Bleus reach the final, Mbappe’s transition to club duty in the United States will be extremely tight.
