Why Isn't Kylian Mbappe Playing Today?

Kylian Mbappé is not playing against Belgium because of a left-knee injury.

The France captain started the opening Nations League match against Turkiye on September 25 and scored the winning goal in the 54th minute. However, he was replaced in the 59th minute after experiencing discomfort in his left knee.

Real Madrid carried out medical examinations on September 26 and confirmed that Mbappé had suffered a “hyperextension of the posterior capsule of his left knee.” 

Mbappé consequently left the France camp and returned to Real Madrid for treatment. He has missed France’s Nations League matches against Belgium and Italy and is again unavailable for Monday’s return fixture. 

Recent reporting indicates that Madrid are targeting a return after the international break, but the club’s initial medical report did not give a firm recovery date.

France vs. Belgium Predicted Lineups

France Starting XI

• Maignan
• Kalulu, Jacquet, Lacroix, Truffert
• Cherki, Camavinga, Rabiot
• Olise, Dembélé, Doué

Belgium Starting XI

• Lammens
• Castagne, Ngoy, Mechele, Seys
• Raskin, Lavia, Trossard
• Lukébakio, De Ketelaere, Godts

France vs. Belgium Confirmed Team News

France will be without Mbappé, Upamecano and Guendouzi for Monday’s game, and Zaïre-Emery remains out injured. Upamecano’s suspension (after receiving a red card against Italy) is a huge blow because France are already short of central defenders.

Belgium’s biggest absences are De Bruyne and Tielemans, who are both suspended. Jeremy Doku is also injured, and Leandro Trossard has been dealing with a heel problem. Thibaut Courtois is not involved in this international window.

Despite the missing stars, France and Belgium remain the two leading teams in Group A1, so the result in Saint-Denis will have a major impact on who finishes top of the section.

How to Watch France vs. Belgium (TV Channels & Streaming)

• France: TF1, TF1+, myCANAL
• Belgium: DAZN Belgium, TF1, VTM, Proximus Pickx, RTL TVI, TF1+, RTL Play, VTM GO
• Germany: DAZN Deutschland, DAZN1 Germany
• Ireland: Virgin Media Two, Virgin TV Go
• Italy: SKY Go Italia, Sky Sport Uno, NOW TV
• Portugal: Sport TV1
• Sweden: TV6 Sweden
• Turkiye: A Spor
• United Kingdom: Amazon Prime Video
• Sub-Saharan Africa: SuperSport MaXimo 1, SuperSport MaXimo 2, New World Sport 1
• North Africa & Middle East: beIN Sports HD 1, Persiana Sports, IRIB Varzesh
• Argentina: ESPN Argentina, Disney+ Premium Argentina
• Brazil: Disney+ Premium Brazil
• Canada: DAZN Canada, fuboTV Canada 
• Mexico: Sky Sports Mexico, Sky+, izzi
• United States: fuboTV, ViX
• Australia: beIN SPORTS 2
• Bangladesh, India, Nepal, Sri Lanka: Sony LIV