All eyes are once again on Kylian Mbappé as France prepares to face Morocco in the World Cup quarterfinal on Thursday, July 9. Mbappé has been a significant factor in France reaching this stage of the tournament, having scored seven goals in five matches thus far.
The French star, who is 27 years old, is aiming for his third consecutive World Cup final in his third tournament appearance. His performance continues to build on a notable record on the global stage. Mbappé currently plays for La Liga’s Real Madrid when not representing the national team.
Mbappé’s World Cup Journey and Recent Form
Mbappé entered Thursday’s match with seven goals in five matches during the 2026 World Cup. He trails Argentina’s Lionel Messi by one goal for the tournament lead. Overall, Mbappé has accumulated 19 goals in 19 World Cup matches.
His scoring record in the current tournament includes braces against Senegal and Iraq, another goal against Sweden, and the winning goal from a penalty against Paraguay. These performances have contributed to France’s strong showing, with the team winning all five of its matches.
In the quarterfinal match against Morocco, Mbappé demonstrated his impact early. In the 25th minute, he initiated a counterattack, bursting past Mazraoui and drawing a foul when the defender brought him down. Earlier in the game, Mbappé also had a shot from distance that Bono, the opposing goalkeeper, had to tip wide.
During the first half of the match, which was scoreless, Mbappé had one shot on target, a penalty that he won but was subsequently saved by Bono. According to Transfermarkt, Mbappé has converted 65 of 80 career penalties, resulting in a conversion rate of 81%.
The match saw a significant moment when Mbappé scored to put France ahead 1-0. After a turnover, he collected the ball outside the box and placed a shot into the far corner. Later in the game, Ousmane Dembélé scored a second goal for France.
Impact and Historical Context
Mbappé’s current form has led to discussions about his standing in global football. He has surpassed Cristiano Ronaldo and Miroslav Klose on the all-time World Cup scoring charts. He also became France’s all-time leading scorer during this tournament.
His capabilities are described as a complete package, combining world-class pace that can break defensive lines, technical ability to beat defenders on either side, and clinical finishing. He is versatile, able to play on the left touchline or through the middle.
Mbappé’s performance in the 2022 World Cup included a Golden Boot and a hat-trick in the final. Despite these individual achievements, Argentina ultimately lifted the trophy. Heading into the 2026 World Cup, Les Bleus are considered among the favorites, with Mbappé seen as central to their aspirations in North America. He is also set to pass 100 international appearances.
The French team’s schedule in the 2026 World Cup has included several victories: France 3-1 Senegal on June 16, France 3-0 Iraq on June 22, France 4-1 Norway on June 26, France 3-0 Sweden on June 30, and France 1-0 Paraguay on July 4. The quarterfinal match against Morocco took place on July 9.
Mbappé has also been in the news recently following racist remarks made by Paraguayan senator Celeste Amarilla, which generated significant fallout.
The match against Morocco is a rematch of the 2022 semifinal, with potential for a final against Messi. Mbappé, listed at 5-foot-10 and 163 pounds, continues to be a central figure in France’s pursuit of the World Cup trophy.
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Source: eu.usatoday.com
