Kylian Mbappé’s Departure Shakes Up France‘s World Cup Qualifying Campaign
France’s preparations for the 2026 World Cup took an unexpected turn as star forward Kylian Mbappé was released from the squad just before the break in their qualifying match. The french Football Federation confirmed the decision, citing personal reasons for the captain’s departure. This leaves a meaningful void in the attacking lineup as the Blues pursue qualification for the tournament.
The timing of Mbappé’s exit adds complexity to France’s Group D campaign, which includes matches against Azerbaijan, Iceland, and Ukraine. While Azerbaijan is ranked 122nd in the world and has never qualified for an international competition, the loss of a player of Mbappé’s caliber impacts the team’s overall strength and tactical options. florian Thauvin, who last played for France in June 2019, has been called up as a replacement for the injured Bradley Barcola, possibly setting a record for the longest gap between national team appearances-73 matches.
Adding another notable storyline, jean-Philippe Mateta, Olympic vice-champion in 2024, received his first-ever call-up to the French national team at the age of 28. Mateta’s inclusion reflects a blend of experience and emerging talent within the squad.
