Kylian Mbappé rejects France’s World Cup target: “Do we stop competing and go home?”
France captain Mbappé made his feelings clear ahead of the tournament, pushing back against expectations surrounding Les Bleus.
Kylian Mbappé wants to win the 2026 World Cup.
That comes as no surprise and is hardly a secret, but the French superstar continues to make it clear every time he speaks publicly. In France, his latest comments have drawn attention after he reiterated that the goal is to win the tournament, not simply reach the semifinals, as some reports in the French media have suggested in recent weeks.
“The goal is to win the World Cup,” Mbappé said. “We’re going to the United States to win the World Cup. I don’t understand this talk from outside that the goal is the semifinals. If the goal is the semifinals, then we get there, stop competing, and go home? No. The goal is to win. It’s everyone’s dream.”
Mbappé sets the standard
Reaching the semifinals would still represent a successful tournament by many measures. It would trigger increased performance bonuses for France’s players and meet the target publicly outlined by the French Football Federation for the World Cup.
But for Mbappé and a squad that finished runner-up in 2022, the objective is much bigger. France has its sights set on adding a third star to its jersey by winning the World Cup final on July 19.
Few teams enter the tournament with stronger credentials. France won the World Cup in 2018 and followed it up with another appearance in the final four years later, cementing its status as one of the favorites heading into the competition.
France counting on its biggest star
The Real Madrid forward did not enjoy his best performance against Northern Ireland, perhaps influenced by the milestone looming over him.
Mbappé is on the verge of matching Olivier Giroud as France’s all-time leading scorer, a mark that has remained just out of reach through the team’s last two friendlies. Expectations remain high that he will soon draw level with the former France striker and continue his climb up the record books.
As the World Cup gets underway this Thursday in the United States, France will once again look to Mbappé’s talent and leadership to justify its place among the tournament favorites.
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