2026 World Cup: Mbappé makes history with the French national team

16.06.26 FT World Cup

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Senegal

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As France kicks off its 2026 World Cup campaign this Tuesday against Senegal, Kylian Mbappé takes another step into Les Bleus' history books.

Starting against Senegal in France's World Cup 2026 opener, Kylian Mbappé earns his 99th cap for Les Bleus. The Real Madrid striker continues his rise among the most capped players in French football history.

With this 99th appearance, Kylian Mbappé breaks into the top 10 most-capped French internationals. He sits just behind Didier Deschamps (103) and Patrick Vieira (107). While the France captain still trails the leading quartet—Hugo Lloris (145 caps), Lilian Thuram (142), Antoine Griezmann (137), and Olivier Giroud (137)—he is steadily closing in on the legends at the pinnacle of Les Bleus' history.

Joshua SOSSOU

Editorfr, en, ar

As a sports fan, and particularly a football fan, I've been putting my writing talent to good use for a number of years now to promote African talent and the continent's football in general. On Foot Africa, enjoy reading each of my lines.

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