Kylian Mbappe: The French star may face the possibility of missing the World Cup!

Europe 26 February 2026 at 06:28

Hazem Mlhem

News Editor

Deep concern is spreading through French football circles over the physical condition of national team captain Kylian Mbappé, with just months remaining before the World Cup.

According to L'Équipe, medical staff are worried that the 27-year-old could arrive at the tournament carrying significant pain in his knee. The situation is described as critical—not simply because of the injury, but because of its unusual nature and the uncertainty it brings regarding his ability to compete at full capacity on the world’s biggest stage.

Reports indicate that for the past six weeks, Mbappé has been effectively playing for Real Madrid on one leg. His knee problems have visibly limited the explosiveness that defines his game—the trademark bursts of acceleration and sharp changes of pace have become harder to produce. Despite the discomfort, he continued to feature for Los Blancos, but the risk of aggravating the issue has now grown too high to ignore.

To avoid a worst-case scenario—such as ligament damage requiring surgery—Mbappé has immediately begun an intensive course of treatment. The coming weeks will determine whether he can recover in time to lead France as planned, or whether the team will have to prepare for the World Cup without their captain at full strength.