A year before France heads into another presidential election and just weeks before the World Cup, Kylian Mbappe has once again stepped into the political firestorm surrounding the rise of the far right in France.

Form and fitness concerns are hanging over some of football's biggest names just three weeks before the World Cup kicks off.

With the start of the 2026 World Cup in North America now barely three weeks away, AFP Sport runs the rule over the leading contenders at the first-ever 48-team finals.

Real Madrid striker Kylian Mbappe said Thursday coach Alvaro Arbeloa told him he was the "fourth forward" in the squad before benching him against Real Oviedo.

Real Madrid star Kylian Mbappe was whistled by fans at the Santiago Bernabeu in his team's 2-0 win over Real Oviedo on Thursday in La Liga.

The 2026 World Cup will be the first to feature 48 teams, with the expansion of the field offering opportunities to several debutants.

Barcelona vs Real Madrid, La Liga: Barcelona defeated Real Madrid 2-0, courtesy of goals from Marcus Rashford and Ferran Torres, to win their 29th La Liga title.

Barcelona vs Real Madrid LIVE Streaming, La Liga El Clasico LIVE Telecast: When And Where To Watch

Kylian Mbappe has not been included in the Real Madrid squad to face Barcelona in a high-stakes Clasico on Sunday.

Kylian Mbappe is sidelined with a hamstring injury. Lamine Yamal is out for the rest of the season and so is Brazil star Estevao