Why is Kylian Mbappe not starting for France vs Canada today?

France and Canada face off in an international friendly in Bordeaux today ahead of the Euro 2024 and the 2024 Copa America. But the question many are probably making is why Kylian Mbappe is on the bench for the hosts.

Unfortunately, it looks like the 25-year-old is not 100% fit to play from the get-go. According to RMC Sport, Mbappe is not starting for France today due to a back problem and pain in the knee.

The Real Madrid superstar received a blow to the knee in the first half against Luxembourg last week, so Didier Deschamps decided not to take any risks. After all, they need Mbappe to be at his best for the European Championship.

France vs Canada: Lineups

France: Mike Maignan; Jules Kounde, Dayot Upamecano, William Saliba, Theo Hernandez; N’Golo Kante, Edouardo Camavinga; Ousmane Dembele, Antoine Griezmann, Marcus Thuram; Olivier Giroud.

Canada: Maxime Crepeau; Alistair Johnson, Moise Bombito, Derek Cornelius, Alphonso Davies; Taj Buchanan, Ismael Kone, Stephen Eustaquio, Liam Millar; Jonathan David, Cyle Larin.

France vs Canada: Where and how to watch live 2024 international friendly game

France and Canada preparing for big tournaments

This will be the last friendly for both nations before the international competitions take center stage. While France will be looking to win their first Euros since 2000, Canada aim to make a great impression in the 2024 Copa America ahead of the 2026 World Cup, where they’ll act as co-hosts along with the USA and Mexico.

Les Bleus come from a 3-0 victory over Luxembourg in their first friendly in the June international window, while the Canucks were beaten 4-0 by the Netherlands last time out.