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.

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.

Paris Saint-Germain forward Ousmane Dembele was on Monday named the Ligue 1 player of the year for the second year running, after leading the club to the brink of a 14th French title and the Champions League final.

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

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

Kylian Mbappe moved to within one goal of equalling France's all-time scoring record with the opener in a 2-1 win over Brazil as two of the leading World Cup contenders faced off in a glamour friendly in the United States.

Kylian Mbappe on Wednesday denied media reports that claimed Real Madrid examined the wrong leg when the France star sustained a knee injury late last year.

FSE accused FIFA of a "monumental betrayal" in December when tickets were put on general sale ranging from $140 for the cheapest group games to $8,680 for the final.

Atletico Madrid forward Antoine Griezmann is moving to Orlando City in Major League Soccer this summer.

Real Madrid later said the forward has been diagnosed with a knee sprain in the French capital and will follow a "conservative" treatment plan.

Spain and England will face each other in the next edition of the UEFA Nations League following Thursday's draw, which also threw up a clash between France and Italy while Germany and the Netherlands will renew their rivalry.

Former France, Liverpool and Paris Saint-Germain defender Mamadou Sakho announced his retirement on Monday aged 35.

The final draw of the FIFA World Cup 2026 will take place on Friday at Washington, DC, the capital of co-hosts USA.

Nice have lost six matches in a row and an investigation into aggravated assault was opened this week after a confrontation between players and supporters at the team's training centre on Sunday.

The preliminary court hearing requested by Paris Saint-Germain over a French football league (LFP) decision in the dispute between the club and Kylian Mbappe has been scheduled for February 23.

Ballon d'Or winner Ousmane Dembele could make his latest comeback in an injury-stunted season when Paris Saint-Germain face Tottenham Hotspur in he Champions League

Paul Pogba signed for French Ligue 1 side AS Monaco in the summer after serving a doping ban.

Second-half goals by Kylian Mbappe and Michael Olise, as well as a first international strike for Hugo Ekitike, gave Deschamps' side an unassailable six-point lead over both Iceland, who beat Azerbaijan 2-0, and Ukraine at the top of Group D.