France will travel to Iceland in the next round of European qualifiers for the 2026 World Cup. France coach Didier Deschamps confirmed that Real Madrid star Kylian Mbappé's injury, while not worsening, has been ruled out.

In the last round of qualifiers, France defeated Azerbaijan 3-0 away from home with goals from Mbappé, Rabiot and Florian Thauvin. However, French captain Mbappé was injured in the second half of the game and was subsequently substituted.

France currently ranks first in Group D with 9 points, while Iceland ranks third with 3 points.

France coach Didier Deschamps said in an interview, "Did Mbappé play too long in that game? Of course we can ask this question again and again. I had many conversations with Mbappé, including throughout the week, before the game, at halftime and in the second half."

"His injury hasn't worsened, and he hasn't had any more severe pain, but there were a few collisions. Before I substituted him, he was kicked in the area where the injury occurred. He stopped immediately, and if it weren't for that collision, he would have been fine given his condition at the time. There will always be physical contact in the game, and unfortunately, injuries are inevitable."

As for which player will serve as captain in the match against Iceland, Deschamps said, "Maignan is a leader. In the match against Azerbaijan, when Mbappé was substituted, he took over the captain's armband. He often did so at AC Milan last season and sometimes still does so this season. He has leadership and is a key player for the team."

"The fact that he's been able to play so many games shows that he's always in shape. He's a great competitor, even in training. He's a workaholic, and sometimes I even think he takes it a bit too far. But that's his character and he knows himself very well."