Paris, France: The French Football Federation announced today, Friday, that national team captain Kylian Mbappe will miss the upcoming match against Azerbaijan, scheduled for the day after tomorrow (Sunday), as part of the European qualifiers for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, due to injury.

In a statement, the French Federation said that Mbappe is suffering from inflammation in his right ankle, which requires additional tests.

The statement added that the 26-year-old forward will undergo medical examinations today in the Spanish capital, Madrid.

• FIFA Arab Cup Qatar 2025: Moroccan Younes Belhanda thrilled to join Morocco for the tournament
• Qatar SC win Youth Table Tennis League title
• New Al Shaqab League season begins

Mbappe scored two goals and provided an assist in France's 4-0 victory over Ukraine yesterday, Thursday.

Alongside Mbappe, the French national team will also be missing several other players against Azerbaijan. Manu Kone will be absent due to suspension after receiving a booking against Ukraine, and Eduardo Camavinga is also out as he is suffering from a strain in the muscles at the back of his left thigh.

France has already secured qualification to the 2026 World Cup, topping Group D with 13 points, six points ahead of Iceland in second place, followed by Ukraine with the same points but an inferior goal difference. Azerbaijan sits fourth in the group with one point

MENAFN14112025000063011010ID1110346135