Kylian Mbappe's glint run of form continued on Thursday afternoon, with the France supernova wrestling the lead for the Golden Boot back from Lionel Messi with a glittering display against Morocco.
Mbappe tallied a pearl of a goal to lead Les Bleus past the Atlas Lions, curling an effort past the typically impenetrable Yassine Bounou. He could have had a second, had it not been for a diving Bounou intervention from the penalty spot.
Mbappe's day came to an end after just 77 minutes, far fewer than he is used to. Here's what you need to know about Mbappe's early exit during France's 2-0 win on Thursday night.
2026 WORLD CUP HQ: Latest World Cup news | Full World Cup schedule | Buy World Cup tickets
What happened to Kylian Mbappe?
Mbappe received a curtain call in the match's 77th minute, departing to a raucous applause following another glittering display. He exited the contest after taking an apparent shot to the foot while dancing down the field.
🚨 77' Kylian Mbappé is off for France after a goal and an assist.
He went down in pain seconds earlier, so no risks to be taken. pic.twitter.com/7RhNnwT8Ji
The France star went down in a heap, staying on the ground for some time before France's medical personnel streamed onto the pitch. After a brief examination, Mbappe departed. He looked undeterred as he left the pitch, clapping the fans off as he took to the dugout.
Mbappé exits the match and salutes the fans in Boston with France up 2-0 🇫🇷 pic.twitter.com/OAyIUBDcC3
— FOX Sports (@FOXSports) July 9, 2026He sported an ice pack on his right foot as he watched the rest of the match play out.
Mbappé icing his right ankle on the bench pic.twitter.com/MjzzYhq2vG
— FOX Sports (@FOXSports) July 9, 2026Kylian Mbappe injury updates
Mbappe went down with an apparent foot injury during Thursday's quarterfinal against Morocco. He stayed on the ground for a moment after hurting his right foot, exiting the match in favor of longtime Crystal Palace striker Jean-Phillippe Mateta.
Mbappe watched the remaining 13 minutes of action (plus stoppage time) with his right foot wrapped with an ice pack.
MORE WORLD CUP NEWS:

1 hour ago
5
English (US)