Yes. Kylian Mbappé is playing at the 2026 World Cup, and France’s captain has already led the side to the Round of 16. France won Group I, then beat Sweden 3-0 in the Round of 32 with Mbappé scoring twice.
France now face Paraguay in the Round of 16 on Saturday 4 July in Philadelphia. Here is when to catch Mbappé live, how his goal record stands, and how to get there.
Is Mbappé playing at the 2026 World Cup?
Yes, and he is leading the team all the way to the knockout rounds. Didier Deschamps named him captain of France’s 26-man squad, alongside Ousmane Dembélé and Michael Olise, per Al Jazeera’s squad report.
This is his third World Cup, after winning the 2018 title and finishing runner-up in 2022. He has started and scored in every France match so far except the Norway game.
Mbappé’s record at this World Cup
Mbappé is on 18 career World Cup goals, one behind the outright all-time record. Lionel Messi broke that record on 22 June and now holds it alone, with 19 goals after Argentina’s group stage.
- Lionel Messi (Argentina): 19 goals — the outright all-time record.
- Kylian Mbappé (France): 18 goals — has already passed both Ronaldo (Brazil, 15) and Miroslav Klose’s old men’s record of 16.
Mbappé is also France’s all-time top scorer with 58 goals, having overtaken Olivier Giroud during the group stage, per Al Jazeera. A deep run for France could still put the outright World Cup record back in reach.
How did France do in the group stage and Round of 32?
France won Group I with all three games, then eased past Sweden in the first knockout round. Here is the full run so far:
| Match | Date & venue | Result |
|---|---|---|
| France 3-1 Senegal | Tue 16 Jun — New Jersey/New York | Win; Mbappé scored twice |
| France 3-0 Iraq | Mon 22 Jun — Philadelphia | Win; Mbappé scored twice, Dembélé once |
| France 4-1 Norway | Fri 26 Jun — Boston | Win; Dembélé hat-trick, Doué scored |
| France 3-0 Sweden (R32) | Tue 30 Jun — MetLife Stadium, New Jersey | Win; Mbappé scored twice |
France finished top of Group I on nine points, with Norway advancing in second. The 3-0 win over Iraq had a lightning delay of around two hours before Mbappé settled it, Al Jazeera reported.
When to watch Mbappé next
France play Paraguay in the Round of 16 on Saturday 4 July in Philadelphia. It is France’s toughest test yet in the knockout stage.
For the full match-by-match breakdown, including local kick-off times across the Gulf and South Asia, see our complete France 2026 World Cup schedule guide.
Watching France and Mbappé live in the US
France’s knockout run has stayed close to the US north-east, which makes a multi-match trip realistic. Philadelphia hosts the Round of 16 tie, with Lincoln Financial Field the venue.
- Philadelphia: Lincoln Financial Field — Round of 16 vs Paraguay, 4 July. Search flights to Philadelphia.
- Boston: Gillette Stadium — hosted the Norway group decider.
- New Jersey/New York: MetLife Stadium — hosted the Sweden Round of 32 win.
From the Gulf, the simplest routings are non-stops to the north-east on the major carriers. Emirates flies Dubai to Boston and New York nonstop.
Qatar Airways connects Doha to Philadelphia and Boston, while Etihad serves the region from Abu Dhabi. South Asian fans can connect through any of these Gulf hubs or fly US carriers directly.
For where to stay, compare hotels in Philadelphia and hotels in Boston. Track fare and schedule changes on the Wego flight tracker.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Mbappé playing at the 2026 World Cup?
Yes. He is France’s captain and has scored six goals across four matches, leading the side to the Round of 16.
When does France play next?
France face Paraguay in the Round of 16 on Saturday 4 July in Philadelphia. See our France schedule guide for kick-off times in your region.
How did France do in the group stage?
France won Group I with three wins from three. They beat Senegal 3-1, Iraq 3-0 and Norway 4-1, finishing top of the group.
Does Mbappé hold the all-time World Cup scoring record?
Not outright — Lionel Messi does, with 19 career World Cup goals. Mbappé is on 18 after his brace against Sweden, having already passed Ronaldo (15) and Klose’s old record of 16.
Sources
- Sky Sports — France 3-0 Iraq: Mbappé double sends France into last 32 after weather-hit win
- Al Jazeera — Mbappé leads France to win over Iraq in lightning-delayed World Cup tie
- Al Jazeera — Dembélé scores hat-trick as France beat Norway 4-1
- France 24 — Mbappé’s brace sends France into Round of 16 as Les Bleus demolish Sweden
- FOX Sports — Who is France’s next World Cup opponent?
- ESPN — 2026 World Cup stats: Messi the all-time top scorer, Mbappé closing in
- Al Jazeera — Mbappé, Deschamps break World Cup records in Sweden thrashing
- Al Jazeera — Which France and World Cup records did Mbappé break against Senegal?
- Al Jazeera — Mbappé and Dembélé head up star-studded France World Cup squad
- CBC — Injury watch: Messi, Mbappé, Yamal, Davies at the 2026 World Cup
- ESPN — 2026 FIFA World Cup match schedule and bracket
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