The 2021 world player of the year was pulled off in the 46th minute after Johan Deysel was sent off for a head-on-head tackle.

According to the FFR, Dupont will remain with the squad and will consult with a doctor to determine how long he will be out.

On October 6, France will play Italy in its final group encounter.

The quarter-finals are slated for the weekend of October 14-15, the semi-finals the following weekend, and the final on Saturday, October 28.

“Antoine Dupont has been diagnosed with a maxillo-zygomatic fracture.” A professional surgical opinion has been sought to estimate the length of the player’s absence. “Antoine Dupont remains with the France squad,” according to the FFR.

The loss of Dupont would be a significant setback for France’s ambitions of winning the World Cup for the first time.

He was crowned world player of the year as well as Six Nations player of the tournament in 2022 and 2023.

As France captain, he is also unbeaten in 14 home Tests.

After defeating three-time champions New Zealand in the tournament opener, Dupont was one of 12 players rested for France’s second group victory over Uruguay.

He returned to the team against Namibia in Marseille, where he boosted the hosts to a 54-0 lead before colliding with Deysel.

The Namibia captain was first given a yellow card, but after a review by the television match official, it was increased to a red card.

Deysel claims he has apologized to Dupont after the event.