World Cup 2026: Kylian Mbappe vows to improve defensively for France

France captain Kylian Mbappe has pledged to increase his defensive efforts as the two-time world champions prepare to open their 2026 World Cup campaign against Senegal on Tuesday.

The 27-year-old Real Madrid striker has faced scrutiny over both his performances and leadership for club and country. Even his younger brother Ethan, who plays for Lille, has teased him about his defensive ability.

"I need to take the extra step because it's something important for the team and I have to do it," Mbappe told French newspaper Le Parisien.

"It will start this time because we want to win, and to win, I'm ready to do whatever because I want to win at all costs."

The numbers from his club season paint a stark picture. Despite being La Liga's top scorer, Mbappe ranked 1,350th out of 1,490 players in Europe's top five leagues for combined defensive actions (interceptions, blocks, tackles, and possession won). He managed just 0.14 tackles per 90 minutes — the fifth lowest among all ranked players.

International teammate Ousmane Dembélé has publicly backed Mbappe, saying the criticism has gone "too far".

Mbappe has shone on the biggest stage, scoring 12 goals in 14 World Cup matches, including a hat-trick in the 2022 final against Argentina. One more goal will see him move level with Olivier Giroud as France's all-time top scorer in his first World Cup as captain, a role he assumed after Hugo Lloris retired in 2023.

France face Senegal, Iraq, and Norway in Group H. Les Bleus are aiming to become the first nation since Brazil (1958–62) to win back-to-back World Cups, having triumphed in Qatar 2022. Mbappe's willingness to put in the defensive work could be key to those hopes.