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France without Mbappé against Van Bommel's Belgium
Teams 27 September 2026

France without Mbappé against Van Bommel's Belgium

Zidane confirms: Mbappé leaves French selection injured; misses Nations League matches against Belgium and Italy.

France without Mbappé against Van Bommel's Belgium after

According to Vi.

Background

Kylian Mbappé, the France captain, has suffered a knee injury during training and has left the national selection. His absence comes at a crucial time as France prepares for key matches in the UEFA Nations League against Belgium and Italy.

Why this matters

The departure of Kylian Mbappé from the France squad is a major setback for France, especially with the upcoming UEFA Nations League matches against Belgium and Italy. Mbappé, who recently scored his 67th goal for Les Bleus, is a crucial player who often makes the difference in important games. His absence could significantly affect France's chances of success in this competitive international break.

Key points

  • France without Mbappé against Van Bommel's Belgium.
  • Zidane confirms: Mbappé leaves French selection injured; misses Nations League matches against Belgium and Italy.
  • France without Mbappé against Van Bommel's Belgium.

France will have to make do without Kylian Mbappé in the coming international match. The captain has left the training camp with a knee injury and is returning to his club Real Madrid. National coach Zinedine Zidane confirmed the news shortly after his successful debut as a selector, an away win over Turkey. Mbappé again made the difference in that match with a goal - his 67th for Les Bleus - but had to pay for that leading role with physical discomfort.

According to Zidane, something went wrong when hitting the ball. Mbappé tried to continue playing for a while, but was eventually replaced. “He's not doing well,” the national coach said afterwards. "We are not going to take any risks. He suffered a knee injury when hitting the ball and the situation does not look good enough to continue." With those words, Zidane made it clear that the focus for the attacker is now on recovery with his employer in Spain.

The loss of Mbappé is a major setback for France, which has a tough program ahead of it in the UEFA Nations League. Les Bleus will meet Belgium under national coach Mark van Bommel twice this international match and will also take on Italy. The double encounter with the Red Devils in particular promises to be intense; they are posters in which details often make the difference, and in which a lightning rod like Mbappé is normally invaluable.

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For Zidane, the injury of his star player means that he will have to move quickly in his early period as national coach. The Frenchman can build on a core that is used to performing at the highest level, but with Mbappé he lacks goals, depth and threat in transition. It is up to the other attackers and wings to take extra responsibility and provide the supply to the striker position.

The Nations League has been a serious benchmark for top countries such as France, Belgium and Italy in the run-up to final tournaments for years. In that context is the timing of Mbappé's exitextra painful for Les Bleus: not only because of the direct sporting impact, but also because Zidane wanted to hone his accents and automatisms in these duels. The win in and against Turkey offered a solid starting point for this; However, the sequel will have to be designed without the captain.

For Mbappé himself, it is a priority that the knee complaints are assessed quickly and completely. His return to Real Madrid underlines that no risks are being taken. France, meanwhile, is focusing on a plan without its top scorer in the upcoming Nations League matches, with the knowledge that every point counts in the battle for group victory.

What's happening now

Zinedine Zidane will now have to think about alternative strategies and players to fill Mbappé's void. France face a challenging task against Belgium, where details often make the difference, and it is unclear who can take over Mbappe's role. The focus is now on Mbappé's return to Real Madrid as France prepares for the upcoming UEFA Nations League matches.

Frequently Asked Questions

What happened to Kylian Mbappé?

Kylian Mbappé has left France's training camp due to a knee injury.

Who confirmed Mbappé's injury?

National coach Zinedine Zidane confirmed the news about Mbappé's knee injury.

Why is it important that Mbappé is absent now?

Mbappé's absence is a setback for France, which plays important matches against Belgium and Italy in the UEFA Nations League.

What are the consequences of Mbappé's injury for the team?

Zidane has to switch quickly and misses both goals and depth in the game with Mbappé.

When will France play Belgium without Mbappé?

France will play Belgium twice this international match.

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