France captain Kylian Mbappé has said that Les Bleus will pay tribute to those affected by the November 13, 2015, Paris terror attacks when they face Ukraine in a World Cup qualifier on Thursday — marking the tenth anniversary of the tragedy that shook the nation.

On that fateful night, France were playing Germany in a friendly at the Stade de France when a suicide bomber detonated an explosive device near Gate D, killing one passerby. The attacks, later claimed by the Islamic State, continued across Paris, leaving 130 people dead and hundreds injured. Then-president François Hollande was among those attending the match.

“I’d like to say a few words on behalf of the France team, the staff, and the players,” Mbappé said during a press conference on Wednesday. “Tomorrow will be a special day. We wanted to remember those affected on November 13, 2015. We know it won’t be a joyful day, but it’s important to commemorate this moment and show our support.”

A victory against Ukraine would see France secure qualification for the 2026 World Cup, which will be held in the United States, Mexico, and Canada.

Mbappé, who was just 16 years old at the time of the attacks and yet to make his senior debut, recalled watching the events unfold from Monaco while worrying about his family in Paris.

“I was in Monaco watching the match and started getting information,” said the Real Madrid forward. “There was fear — my parents were in Bondy. We didn’t know when it would stop. Playing ten years later is emotional; we’ll try to pay tribute to everyone affected by that tragic night.”

Thursday’s match will take place at Parc des Princes in Paris — a symbolic setting for the occasion.

Head coach Didier Deschamps, who was on the France bench during the 2015 friendly, acknowledged the emotional weight surrounding the game.

“There are only a few staff members left from that night, but we know it’s part of the context of this match,” Deschamps said. “It’s difficult to talk about — it’s more a matter of restraint. There’s a duty of remembrance, of support, and of compassion.”

Of the players present at the Stade de France in 2015, only Lucas Digne remains in the current squad and will feature on Thursday.