France have been handed the boost they wanted before a blockbuster FIFA World Cup 2026 semi-final against Spain: Kylian Mbappe is fit. Head coach Didier Deschamps shut down uncertainty after the captain’s ankle scare, saying the forward is ‘100 per cent’ and ready, easing fears sparked by his early exit in the last round.
Mbappe had limped off in the 77th minute of France’s 2-0 win over Morocco, prompting questions about his availability. A brief, separate training spell during Monday’s media window fanned those doubts, but the staff framed it as workload management rather than a setback.
Mbappe cleared despite training tweak
Deschamps said Mbappe ‘feels good’ ahead of the Spain clash, stressing that modified drills were planned. The Real Madrid forward worked apart from the main group for portions of the session, a move the coach described as normal for managing intensity.
The France boss even explained the approach in numbers, noting Mbappe was allowed ’10 minutes in one drill instead of 15′. The player also downplayed the issue himself after Morocco, calling it a ‘minor ankle injury’ and saying he was ‘completely fine’.
Golden Boot race raises the stakes
Form and accolades sharpen the focus on Mbappe’s status. He is level with Lionel Messi on eight goals in the Golden Boot race, and leads on assists with three to Messi’s two. The 27-year-old has scored in five of France’s six matches, failing to find the net only against Norway.
That production makes his presence crucial to France’s cutting edge. With Spain’s defence thriving, France need their captain’s explosiveness to tilt margins in a game where one moment could decide the final ticket.
France squad checks and mood
There was more positive news in midfield. Deschamps said Aurelien Tchouameni, who missed France’s last two matches, is available for selection. The Real Madrid midfielder was named on the bench against Morocco but was not risked, and the coach stopped short of declaring him fully recovered.
Questions around racist remarks aimed at French players surfaced during Monday’s media interactions. Midfielder Warren Zaire-Emery kept the focus on the pitch, stressing that the team is united. Spain winger Lamine Yamal also called for football to act as a force for integration.
Here are the key takeaways ahead of the semi-final:
– Deschamps says Mbappe is 100 per cent fit
– Training tweak was workload management
– Tchouameni available after two-game absence
– Spain unbeaten in their last 36 matches
– Winner faces Argentina or England on July 20th
What France face against Spain
Spain arrive confident after a 2-1 win over Belgium in the quarter-finals. Their unbeaten run now stands at 36 matches, a streak built on control in midfield and sharp transitions that will test France’s resolve for the full 90 minutes.
With Mbappe cleared and France close to full strength, this is being billed as one of the tournament’s defining nights. The winner books a place in the final on July 20th, where either Argentina or England await, raising the stakes in a contest already loaded with history and talent.
So, will Mbappe play?
All signals point to yes. Deschamps has confirmed Mbappe is '100 per cent‘ and available, reiterating that reduced training time was precautionary. For France, that clarity arrives at the perfect moment, as a fit captain turns a nervous wait into renewed belief before Spain.
