FIFA World Cup 2026: Mbappe’s reboot after semi-final

France’s Kylian Mbappe during the semi-final against Spain. Pic/AFP

Following their painful 1-2 loss to Argentina in the semi-final, England coach Thomas Tuchel described the World Cup third-place playoff match as a fixture neither side wants to play. While that may largely ring true on most occasions, this time though, France, and particularly skipper Kylian Mbappe still have something to play for - the Golden Boot award for the top scorer.

Mbappe is currently level with Argentina superstar Lionel Messi on eight goals. As things stand, Messi is in pole position to snatch the award that the Real Madrid forward had won at Qatar in 2022 (eight goals in seven games), considering he has one assist more than Kylian Mbappe's three, and may add to his tally in the final against Spain. As such, with their title dreams crushed, following their 0-2 loss to Spain in the semi-final, Les Bleus will want to ensure their star man can take home individual bragging rights.

The team that plays England is likely to be a heavily-rotated one, as coach Didier Deschamps may prefer to give opportunities to players who featured less frequently during their campaign. However, considering that his English counterpart is also likely to do the same, Mbappe will relish the chance of facing a second-string backline.

Meanwhile, Tuchel will demand a more aggressive showing from his charges in a bid to answer his critics, who questioned their defensive tactics in the second half against Argentina.

Eight
No of goals scored by Kylian Mbappe across seven games at the ongoing World Cup

Three
No of times France have faced England in World Cups. They have lost twice and won once

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