France's FIFA World Cup 2026 campaign received a major scare after captain Kylian Mbappe picked up an ankle injury during a crucial match against Morocco. He was substituted in the 77th minute after appearing to hurt his right ankle, leaving fans wondering, Can Mbappe play the World Cup semi-final?
The sight of Mbappe leaving the pitch raised concerns, as the French football star later described the issue as a minor ankle injury and said he was "completely fine".
What happened to Mbappe?
After scoring his eighth goal of this World Cup and the 20th of his tournament career, Mbappe was substituted in the 77th minute after appearing to hurt his right ankle. Television footage showed him icing his right ankle on the bench after the substitution, prompting speculation about the severity of the injury. The injury appears to be the result of a knock rather than a major twist or roll of the ankle.
Can Mbappe play the FIFA World Cup 2026 semi-final?
The answer is likely yes, but it depends on his recovery over the next few days.
If Mbappé's injury is only a mild ankle sprain or bruising, there is a strong possibility he will be available for France's World Cup semi-final. Unless further scans reveal ligament damage, fans can be positive of having their captain fit for one of the crucial matches in the tournament.
How long does it take to recover from an ankle injury?
According to the Cleveland Clinic, recovery time depends on the severity of the injury. Mild ankle sprains heal faster than more severe ones. It usually takes a week or two for mild sprains to heal. But it can take up to several months to recover if the individual has a complete ligament tear and surgery is needed.
Professional footballers generally recover faster than recreational athletes because they receive around-the-clock medical treatment, physiotherapy and close monitoring.
For now, the early indications suggest that the injury is not serious. If swelling settles quickly and he completes training without discomfort, Mbappe is expected to return for the semi-final match.
