As the 2026 World Cup approaches, anticipation is building across the global football landscape. But for France, that excitement is now accompanied by a growing sense of unease. According to reports, national team officials fear that Real Madrid star Kylian Mbappe could arrive at the tournament managing an injury.

The concern stems from a lingering issue in Mbappe's left knee. Since December, the Real Madrid forward has reportedly been dealing with inflammation in a ligament.

Over the past six weeks, reports suggest Mbappe has been playing "on one leg," a striking characterization for a player whose game is built around pace and sharp directional changes.

Mbappe is now set to undergo an accelerated treatment program designed to prevent further damage or the possibility of surgical intervention, per L'Equipe.

As part of that process, he is expected to miss at least three matches for the LaLiga club. The absence will allow medical staff to evaluate how his knee responds to rest and rehabilitation.

The priority, both for club and country, is clear: ensure he is fully fit for the World Cup in less than four months' time. But the clock is ticking for the 27-year-old.

A pivotal figure for France

Mbappe's importance to France cannot be overstated.

Following the international retirement of Antoine Griezmann, Mbappe assumed the captain's armband and became the undisputed focal point of the national side.

His leadership and attacking output are central to Les Bleus' ambitions. The upcoming World Cup group stage presents a challenging path.

France is set to face Norway and Senegal, with the possibility of drawing playoff qualifiers such as Bolivia, Iraq, or Suriname.

Navigating that group without a fully fit Mbappe would significantly alter the team's tactical balance and psychological edge.

"They've won the #UCL before he got there."

Nigel Reo-Coker still believes in Real Madrid even if they're without Kylian Mbappé due to injury ⚪ pic.twitter.com/q3pL8pr0V8

— CBS Sports Golazo ⚽️ (@CBSSportsGolazo) February 26, 2026

While Real Madrid has not released an official medical statement detailing the severity of the injury, the signs have been visible.

Mbappe missed several training sessions and was absent for key fixtures, including a match against Real Sociedad.

Though he completed 90 minutes against Osasuna and later against Benfica in Lisbon, observers noted clear physical limitations in his performances.

For a player whose explosiveness is integral to his effectiveness, even a marginal drop in physical sharpness can be decisive.

Acceleration - particularly over the first few meters - is often the difference between creating separation and being contained by defenders at the highest level.

Madrid's injury list piles up

Compounding matters for Real Madrid, Mbappe's situation is not occurring in isolation.

Álvaro Arbeloa has also dealt with the absences of Dean Huijsen, Jude Bellingham, Éder Militão, Dani Ceballos, and Rodrygo, the latter suspended in Champions League play.

Squad rotation and depth management have therefore become critical considerations. For France, however, the equation is simpler and more urgent.

Mbappe represents not only a primary goal-scoring threat but also the emotional heartbeat of the team. With the World Cup drawing nearer, every update on his knee will be scrutinized.

The next few weeks will determine whether this discomfort is a manageable setback or a looming crisis.

For now, both France and Real Madrid remain on high alert, hoping that accelerated treatment restores Mbappe to full strength before the world's biggest stage beckons.