France - Senegal: "We're playing against the African champion," Kylian Mbappé lights the fuse!

Africa Today at 05:15

Mahdi Zakaria LAZRI

News Editor

16.06.26 15:00 World Cup

France

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Senegal

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Just days before the Group I clash at the 2026 World Cup between France and Senegal, Kylian Mbappé joked about the ongoing debate over who will be crowned the 2025 African champion.

On the eve of France's debut at the 2026 World Cup, Kylian Mbappé approached the upcoming showdown against Senegal with a touch of humor. The French captain dropped a comment that certainly didn't go unnoticed:

"The World Cup is all about matches that get you fired up. We're playing against the African champion—though I'm not sure if it's really them or not (laughs), since Morocco's in the mix too. We'll stay out of that one (laughs)."

However, the French forward quickly made it clear just how much respect he has for his upcoming opponent.

"It's a great team, and it's fantastic to start off like this. We can't deny there's a bit of history between France and Senegal, so that will definitely add some extra spice to the match," he emphasized.

See also: Morocco: Out of the 2026 World Cup, Nayef Aguerd reacts!

Meanwhile, Mbappé is fully aware of the importance of this opening fixture.

"The game kicks off at 9pm in France, so the kids won't be in bed yet. It's up to us to start strong—if we do, we can dispel any early doubts. And it will give us those first 3 points," he concluded,

making his ambitions for the start of the tournament crystal clear.

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Senegal

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