France star Kylian Mbappe vows to 'step up defensively' at FIFA World Cup 2026

France will face Senegal in their opening World Cup 2026 game.

Real Madrid striker Kylian Mbappe has said that he doesn’t work as hard defensively as his teammates. The 27-year-old has an unblemished goal-scoring record this 2025-26 season. He has been Los Blancos’ most decisive player, although he has received criticism for his overall contribution at times.

Earlier in the season, Xabi Alonso’s strategy appeared to be based on a high-pressing tactic. It worked to some extent before disintegrating in November. Many blamed Vinicius Junior and Kylian Mbappe for their lack of defensive implication.

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Kylian Mbappe vows to help France in defence at the World Cup

However, Kylian Mbappe has now acknowledged in a recent interview. He has promised to contribute defensively for Les Bleus during the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Mbappe said, “I have to step up defensively. It’s important for the team, and I have to do it. It will start in this World Cup, because we want to win it.“

Kylian Mbappe has been France’s big difference-maker in the last two World Cups. The former AS Monaco forward helped them win the competition in 2018. Then he led them to the final of 2022, where they lost to Argentina only on penalties.

This World Cup, he will be leading the national team as a captain. He will look to put up a strong performance throughout the tournament.

Les Bleus are among the favourites to win the title this summer. Kylian Mbappe now also wants to help in defence rather than just score goals. France have an excellent group of attacking players.

They have shown in the warm-up games that they are not afraid to score a lot in the competition. France will begin their World Cup 2026 campaign against Senegal. Them they take on Iraq in their second group game, concluding with their last match against Erling Haaland’s Norway.

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