France arrives for their match against Iceland after winning all three group games in the UEFA World Cup Qualifiers. With nine points, France has been dominant in Group D. Fans are wondering about one key absence: why is Kylian Mbappe not playing?
If Ukraine loses or draws against Azerbaijan while France wins against Iceland, the French national team will qualify directly for the 2026 World Cup. This match is significant, but with qualification within reach, coach Deschamps can manage his squad strategically.
France and Iceland will start their match at the same time as Ukraine and Azerbaijan. If Les Bleus win and Ukraine does not take all three points, France will have 12 points. With only two group stage matches remaining, this total would secure first place in Group D of the World Cup qualifiers.
Why isn’t Mbappe available for France vs Iceland?
Kylian Mbappe will miss the match against Iceland due to injury. He left the game against Azerbaijan in the 83rd minute after sustaining a knock to his right ankle. Coach Didier Deschamps decided to send him back to his club for recovery instead of risking further injury.
Kylian Mbappe of France
The French Football Federation (FFF) issued a statement confirming: “After taking a knock to his right ankle, Kylian Mbappé was forced to leave the game against Azerbaijan (3-0) on Friday at the Parc des Princes in Paris. Upon returning to Clairefontaine, he met with Didier Deschamps. He will not be able to play on Monday, October 13, against Iceland in Reykjavik.”
This means Mbappe will not play against Iceland, and no replacement will be called up. The FFF also confirmed that Deschamps will not bring in a new player, resulting in one fewer attacking option for Les Bleus.
France confirmed lineup without Mbappe
Despite Mbappe’s absence, France still has a strong attacking lineup. Deschamps will line up as follows: Mike Maignan; Lucas Digne, Dayot Upamecano, William Saliba, Jules Kounde; Florian Thauvin, Eduardo Camavinga, Kouadio Kone; Michael Olise, Jean-Philippe Mateta, and Christopher Nkunku.