FIFA World Cup 2026: Mbappe urges France to stay focused, plays down ankle injury after sealing SFs spot
Boston, July 10
Kylian Mbappe urged France to stay focused after reaching the World Cup semi-finals, insisting there is no room for complacency as the challenges ahead will be even tougher.
The France captain also allayed concerns over his fitness, describing the ankle issue that forced him off as minor and saying he was fine, adding that the substitution was a tactical decision to allow Jean-Philippe Mateta to see out the closing stages.
France booked their place in the FIFA World Cup 2026 semi-finals with a 2-0 victory over Morocco in a gripping quarter-final encounter at Boston Stadium.
Mbappe and Ousmane Dembele scored in the second half to send France into the final four of the ongoing World Cup. With this, France reaches its 3rd consecutive World Cup semifinal.
Mbappe also won the player of the match award, winning it for the third time in this World Cup edition.
"There can be no let-up. There is still a long way to go, and what lies ahead will be even tougher," Mbappe said after the match, as per Reuters.
"It's a minor ankle injury, but I'm fine. In that moment, I think Mateta was better suited to continue for the remaining minutes of the match. But I'm fine, don't worry," he added.
Mbappe continued his sensational runs in the ongoing FIFA World Cup, as he scored the opening goal for his side against Morocco in their FIFA World Cup 2026 quarter-final in Boston.
The goal helped Mbappe reach a remarkable milestone in his World Cup career. The France captain took his tally to 20 FIFA World Cup goals across the 2018, 2022 and 2026 editions, moving within one goal of Lionel Messi's all-time tournament record of 21.
This was Mbappe's eighth goal of the ongoing edition. Mbappe's eighth goal of the 2026 World Cup also saw him join Argentina's Messi at the top of the Golden Boot race.
— ANI
Reader Comments
Great win for France, but I feel Morocco gave them a tough fight in the first half. It's good to see Mbappe downplaying the injury—fitness will be key in the semis. But honestly, I wish India could one day compete at this level. Our football infrastructure needs a massive overhaul. Still, kudos to France for their consistency!
Mbappe is a generational talent, no doubt. But I'm a bit concerned about France's over-reliance on him. What if he gets injured in the semi-final? They need to have a Plan B. Dembele stepped up well today, but against tougher opponents, one player can't do it all. Let's see if they can win without him firing on all cylinders. 🤔
Three consecutive World Cup semi-finals—that's incredible consistency from France! Mbappe is chasing Messi's record, and I think he'll break it in this tournament. The battle for the Golden Boot is going to be epic between him and Messi. Just hope the injury niggles don't slow him down! 🙌
I'm loving this World Cup! France vs Morocco was a great match. Mbappe's goal was sublime—pure class. But I think the substitution was a smart move by Deschamps. Mateta brings physicality, which might be needed in the semis. My only worry is the defensive lapses France showed against Morocco. They need to tighten up. Still, excited for the semis! 🇫🇷
Mbappe is on fire! 🔥
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