Mbappé ruled out: Didier Deschamps picks the new France captain! | OneFootball

Ibrahima Konaté, new captain of Les Bleus in Mbappé's absence!

Mbappé & Ibrahima Konaté / @x.com/EditionMerengue

The French national team will play their final European qualifier for the 2026 World Cup this Sunday evening. Les Bleus are set to travel to Tofiq Bahramov Stadium in Baku to face Azerbaijan.

Didier Deschamps' men approach this match brimming with confidence after their emphatic 4-0 victory over Ukraine last time out. That win secured them a historic qualification for the World Cup—the 17th in their history and the eighth in a row.

Mbappé's absence reopens the captaincy debate

Kylian Mbappé's absence has reignited the discussion over the captain's armband. Forced to leave the squad after the Ukraine match due to inflammation in his left ankle, the Real Madrid striker is now continuing his rehab at the club.

Konaté confirmed as captain against Azerbaijan

In light of this situation, the suspense didn't last long. Ibrahima Konaté, Liverpool defender, confirmed in an interview with TF1 that Didier Deschamps has handed him the captain's armband for the clash with Azerbaijan. It's a powerful show of trust for the man who will have the responsibility of leading Les Bleus in their final qualifying match.

The match will take place this Sunday evening at Tofiq Bahramov Stadium, where France will be looking to end their campaign on a high note despite key absences, including Kylian Mbappé and Manu Koné.