France coach Didier Deschamps has addressed concerns regarding Kylian Mbappe’s fitness, confirming that the captain is anticipated to be available for the upcoming FIFA World Cup 2026 semifinal match against Spain. Mbappe sustained a minor ankle injury during France’s 2-0 quarterfinal victory over Morocco, but the injury is not expected to prevent him from participating in the crucial fixture.
Deschamps offered reassurance to fans, stating that the France skipper was recovering well despite the injury. He confirmed, “Kylian is fine.”
Mbappe’s Training Regimen
Mbappe did not complete France’s final training session after picking up a knock during the match against Morocco. The forward, who was substituted late in the game, had his workload reduced as a precautionary measure.
Deschamps explained the decision, noting, “Yes, he trained. He is allowed to do 10 minutes in one drill instead of 15.” Although the France captain was only partially involved in training, the injury is not expected to sideline him for the semifinal.
Morocco, who were defeated by France in the quarter-finals, had previously faced France in the semifinal of the last World Cup in Qatar four years ago. This time, they were again outplayed in the 2-0 win for Les Bleus in Boston.
Upcoming Semifinal and Morocco’s Future
France is set to compete against a confident Spain team that secured their spot in the semifinals after defeating Belgium 2-1 in the quarterfinals. Spain currently holds an impressive record, remaining unbeaten in their last 36 matches, and will aim to extend this run by advancing to the World Cup final.
The winner of this semifinal encounter will proceed to face either Argentina or England in the final on July 20.
Meanwhile, Morocco’s performance at the expanded 48-team tournament is considered a success, as they became the first African nation to reach successive quarterfinals. They eliminated the Netherlands and posed a challenge to Brazil in their opening game of the finals held in Canada, Mexico, and the US.
Despite some initial doubts following a coaching change just three months before the finals, Mohamed Ouahbi transitioned smoothly into the senior coach role from the junior ranks, having led Morocco to last year’s U-20 World Cup title.
Morocco will now shift their focus to the next World Cup, which they will co-host in 2030 with Portugal and Spain, thereby securing automatic qualification. Ouahbi stated after Thursday’s game, “We have a young team who want to grow, who will continue to do so. We have talented players who will enable us to grow.”
It is generally presumed that Morocco will retain their coach, allowing him time to further develop his side with the ultimate goal of winning the next World Cup. However, Ouahbi will first need to navigate two Africa Cup of Nations finals in 2027 and 2028, being aware of the unpredictable nature of coaching in Africa where tournament failures often lead to changes.
His predecessor, Walid Regragui, was reportedly pressured out by Morocco fans after failing to win the Cup of Nations final against Senegal in Rabat in January. Ouahbi emphasised, “We need to first qualify for the Cup of Nations and to win it. We need to take a step back and to see to it that we have a team that can make and generate dreams in the future. And win titles to ensure we’re on the right track.”
Morocco has a mixed record in the Cup of Nations, despite its top continental ranking. They had secured a single African championship in 1976 before being awarded the 2025 title after Senegal was stripped of the trophy for walking off during the final, a decision currently under appeal and potentially subject to reversal.
Morocco’s next competitive action will be in September when the Cup of Nations qualifiers commence. They are grouped with Gabon, Lesotho, and Niger, which appears to be a manageable assignment. Ouahbi noted the difference between competitions, stating, “Of course, the Cup of Nations is not the World Cup. This is a different type of competition, with opponents that have different styles of play.”
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Source: timesofindia.indiatimes.com
