Sofia Quijada
France enter their World Cup semifinal against Spain with a significant boost: Kylian Mbappe has been confirmed fully fit after picking up an ankle knock in the quarterfinal against Morocco. The Real Madrid forward left that match in the 77th minute, raising immediate doubts over his availability for Tuesday night’s clash.
Mbappe himself moved quickly to ease concerns after the quarterfinal.
“I’m fine! I took a hit to the ankle, but everything’s okay,”
he told reporters at the time. France manager Didier Deschamps confirmed that assessment ahead of the semifinal, stating via beIN Sports France:
“Kylian Mbappe is 100% ready and fit.”
That declaration points not just to his availability but likely to a starting berth against Spain.
Mbappe’s World Cup Record Is Unmatched
Mbappe has appeared in three World Cups and reached the final in both previous campaigns. He won the tournament in 2018, then faced Lionel Messi’s Argentina in the 2022 final in Qatar, where he scored a hat-trick in a losing effort. His 100% final appearance rate across two tournaments is a record few players can claim.
A win over Spain would send France to a third consecutive World Cup final and extend that record to three tournaments. Mbappe is also among the leading candidates for the golden boot in the current competition, making his output central to France’s ambitions.
Read also: France vs Spain, England vs Argentina: 2026 World Cup Betting Tips 14-15 July
Spain Carry Momentum of Their Own
France arrive as favourites given their attacking depth and dominant run through the tournament. Spain, though, have won their last two matches against Les Bleus, scoring seven goals across those fixtures. Their defence has also been among the tightest in this World Cup, conceding just one goal in the competition.
Mbappe’s ability to break down structured backlines will be decisive. Spain’s recent record against France means this semifinal carries genuine uncertainty, and the contest between one of football’s most dangerous forwards and one of its most disciplined defences is the defining matchup of the night. Follow TipsGG for full coverage of the semifinal and beyond.