Kylian Mbappe’ 100% fit for World Cup semi-final, says Deschamps

France coach Didier Deschamps has delivered the news Les Bleus fans were desperate to hear: captain Kylian Mbappé is “100% fit” and ready to start Tuesday’s World Cup semi-final against Spain.

The announcement comes after the 27-year-old forward sparked widespread concern when he limped off in the 77th minute of France’s quarter-final victory over Morocco with what he later called a “minor ankle injury”. Mbappé assured reporters post-match that he was “completely fine,” but a lingering sense of unease remained as the semi-final approached.

Training session fuels concern

Those fears appeared justified on Monday when Mbappé trained separately from most of his teammates during the portion of the session open to media. French outlet RMC Sport reported that the Real Madrid star was still experiencing discomfort in his right ankle.

But Deschamps, speaking at a press conference on the eve of the match, dismissed any suggestion of a crisis. Via an interpreter, he said Mbappé “feels good” and played down the significance of the modified training routine.

“He has the right, like others, to go 15 minutes instead of 20 minutes on a drill,” Deschamps said. “Kylian is fine. Yes, he trained”.

Golden Boot race adds extra spice

Mbappé has been in devastating form throughout the tournament, scoring eight goals in six appearances and providing three assists. He is currently level with Argentina’s Lionel Messi at the top of the Golden Boot standings, with his superior assist count giving him the edge in the tiebreaker.

The France captain has scored in every match except the 4-1 group-stage victory over Norway, netting twice against Senegal, Iraq and Sweden.

Deschamps predicts ‘spectacular’ clash

The semi-final carries extra weight for Deschamps, who is stepping down after 14 years in charge at the end of the tournament. Spain defeated France in the Euro 2024 semi-finals and also edged Les Bleus in a nine-goal Nations League thriller last year, but the France boss insists history will count for nothing.

“We are now at another level. We want to be in the final,” he said.

Deschamps acknowledged Spain’s formidable defensive record—they have conceded just one goal in six games—but predicted an open contest. “We know this could be a most spectacular game,” he added.

Tchouaméni also available

France’s midfield options have also received a significant boost, with Deschamps confirming that Aurélien Tchouaméni is available for selection. The Real Madrid midfielder has not played since the round-of-32 victory over Sweden on June 30, missing the last-16 tie against Paraguay and remaining on the bench against Morocco with a hamstring problem.

“For the last match, the risk was too high,” Deschamps explained. “He is better today. His last game was two weeks ago, but that is not prohibitive. The important thing is that he is available”.

France will become only the third country to reach three consecutive World Cup finals—joining West Germany (1982-1990) and Brazil (1994-2002)—if they overcome Spain in Dallas.

Kick-off is scheduled for 3 p.m. ET on Tuesday.