Major Blow for France: Kylian Mbappe Leaves Squad, Returns to Madrid

Pulse Sports Team 10:05 - 26 September 2026

France's national football team will have to navigate their remaining Nations League fixtures this international break without the services of Kylian Mbappe. The 27-year-old Real Madrid forward did not finish Friday's match against Turkey due to a left knee injury.

Mbappe scored the sole goal of the match but was forced off just minutes later.

"Unfortunately, it doesn't look good. We won't risk him. He overstretched his knee while shooting," stated France coach Zinedine Zidane in a post-match interview. The French Football Federation (FFF) later confirmed that the team captain would be unavailable for upcoming matches: "Kylian sustained a tendon injury in his left knee and will return to Madrid for treatment."

Zidane will therefore be without Mbappe for the clashes against Belgium and Italy.