Will Kylian Mbappé play tonight for France vs Spain in FIFA World Cup 2026 semi-final?

Kylian Mbappé has managed 11 goal contributions so far in the tournament.

The FIFA World Cup 2026 is set to witness a historic semi-final encounter between two heavyweight nations, with the France national football team set to face Spain at the Dallas Stadium in Texas, USA.

France and Spain share a highly competitive history, with both nations playing 38 times before this fixture. They are set to face off in the World Cup after 20 years, last featuring in the 2006 Round of 16, with France winning 3-1, after initially being down.

Didier Deschamps on Kylian Mbappé’s availability

Manager Didier Deschamps has confirmed that captain Kylian Mbappé has recovered from the recent ankle injury and is in full fitness to start against Spain. Deschamps highlighted the importance of a profile like Kylian Mbappé, whose clinical finishing, electric pace, and immense leadership will be absolutely crucial in unlocking Spain’s disciplined and compact defensive line.

Concerns arose after Mbappé was forced to be substituted in the 77th minute in France’s 2-0 win against Morocco in the quarter-finals. It was then confirmed that he suffered a minor ankle injury.

Further speculations came when Kylian Mbappé trained separately and sat out the majority of Monday’s open session ahead of the monumental clash against Spain. Deschamps clarified that it was a precautionary workload reduction, with Mbappé permitted to do 10 minutes instead of a full 15-minute high-intensity drill to complete his active recovery.

Kylian Mbappé has undoubtedly been France’s most dangerous and reliable attacking force in this World Cup campaign, leading the frontline by exploiting transitions and utilizing his exceptional in-game intelligence to open up opposition defences.

He started the tournament in incredible form, scoring braces against Senegal and Iraq, while scoring another brace against Sweden in a commanding 3-0 win in the Round of 16. He then continued his form, scoring the match-winning penalty against Paraguay.

Despite being substituted, Mbappé was instrumental against Morocco, scoring and assisting once, as France won 2-0, guiding the nation to their third consecutive World Cup semi-finals.

The prolific forward has managed to score eight goals so far in the tournament. If he manages to score in the game, Mbappé will score his first-ever World Cup semi-final goal, keeping him in contention for the Golden Boot.

For more updates, follow Khel Now on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Youtube; download the Khel Now Android App or IOS App and join our community on Whatsapp & Telegram.