Mbappé withdraws from France squad with knee injury after scoring

Kylian Mbappé sustained a left knee injury during France's 1-0 Nations League victory over Turkey on September 25, 2026. The Real Madrid forward opened the scoring in the 54th minute with a low shot set up by Michael Olise, extending his international goal record to 67. Moments after celebrating, Mbappé sat on the ground and grimaced while clutching his left knee. He was substituted by Désiré Doué in the 59th minute but was able to walk off the field under his own power.

France coach Zinedine Zidane, in his first match in charge, confirmed that Mbappé will leave the squad to undergo rehabilitation at Real Madrid. "No, it's not good. It's not good, unfortunately," Zidane told French television. "We will not take risks." The France camp indicated Mbappé suffered a knee tendon injury. Zidane's 4-3-3 lineup featured Mbappé on the left flank alongside Ballon d'Or contender Ousmane Dembélé through the middle, with Michael Olise on the right wing.

France will contest three remaining Nations League matches without their captain: against Belgium on September 28, Italy on October 2, and Belgium again on October 5. The match in İzmit was played on a notably bumpy pitch at Kocaeli Stadium. Turkey's goalkeeper Uğurcan Çakır was sent off in the 87th minute for a handball outside the penalty area when blocking a shot from Bradley Barcola.