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Sports July 9, 2026

France's World Cup campaign bolstered by crucial win over Morocco, but star player Kylian Mbappe's fitness remains under scrutiny following injury.

France's World Cup campaign bolstered by crucial win over Morocco, but star player Kylian Mbappe's fitness remains under scrutiny following injury.

French forward Kylian Mbappe was forced to leave the field with an injury during France's 2-0 win over Morocco in the World Cup.

The Real Madrid forward suffered a heavy knock to his right ankle from a challenge from Morocco centre-back Issa Diop in the 77th minute.

Mbappe was seen grimacing as he sat on the pitch before being substituted, and a large ice pack was placed on his ankle when he sat on the bench.

FOXBOROUGH, MASSACHUSETTS - JULY 09: Kylian Mbappe #10 of France reacts during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Quarter Final match between France and Morocco at Boston Stadium on July 09, 2026 in Foxborough, Massachusetts. (Photo by Lars Baron/Getty Images)

Despite the injury, Mbappe was able to walk off the pitch without assistance and appeared to be in high spirits, jumping in the air and celebrating with his France teammates after the final whistle.

When questioned about his injury, Mbappe downplayed its severity, stating, "I'm okay, I took a knock to the ankle but I'm fine."

France coach Didier Deschamps also commented on the injury, saying, "Kylian had a bit of an ankle injury. He was feeling some pain, Manu [Kone] had a knock to the knee, it's normal, the matches come thick and fast."

France's Kylian Mbappe (10) is tripped by Morocco's Issa Diop (14) during the World Cup quarterfinal soccer match between France and Morocco in Foxborough, Mass., near Boston, Thursday, July 9, 2026. (AP Photo/Stephanie Scarbrough)

Deschamps expressed relief that the injury did not appear to be more severe, and praised the team's performance, saying, "We're taking another step today, we're back in the final four... that means we're still here."

FOXBOROUGH, MASSACHUSETTS - JULY 09: Kylian Mbappe #10 of France applauds fans as he is substituted during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Quarter Final match between France and Morocco at Boston Stadium on July 09, 2026 in Foxborough, Massachusetts. (Photo by Hector Vivas - FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images)

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