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킬리안 음바페 (Kylian Mbappe)

‘Ugly football’ - Mbappe slams 'dirty' Paraguay after France win

Kylian Mbappe has hit back at Paraguay’s physical approach, insisting that France are more than happy to "get their hands dirty" after securing a clinical 1-0 victory in the World Cup round of 16. The Real Madrid-bound superstar dismissed the South Americans' provocations with a smile before dispatching the decisive second-half penalty to set up a quarter-final date with Morocco.

Paraguay v France: Round of 16 - FIFA World Cup 2026

📽️ | Gill throws ball at Mbappe after handshake snub

Kylian Mbappe put France through to the World Cup quarter-final with a second-half penalty before tensions boiled over at full-time against Paraguay. Goalkeeper Orlando Gill threw the match ball at the Les Bleus captain after claiming his handshake was ignored, sparking a mass confrontation involving players and coaching staff.

France ratings GFX

Mbappe penalty downs Paraguay but Barcola & Olise underwhelm

Kylian Mbappe scored the only goal of the game from the penalty spot as France progressed to the quarter-finals of the World Cup with a laboured 1-0 win over an aggressive and cynical Paraguay side on Saturday evening. The South Americans, who upset Germany in the previous round, were always expected to make for awkward and uncompromising opponents for the tournament favourites but it was nonetheless surprising just how much Didier Deschamps' stellar forward line struggled to create chances in Philadelphia.

SE Palmeiras v Chelsea FC: Quarter Final - FIFA Club World Cup 2025

Paraguay-France kick-off at risk of delay

France's World Cup round of 16 clash against Paraguay is facing a potential late delay as FIFA officials monitor deteriorating weather conditions in Philadelphia. Substantial stormy weather is expected to hit the area just as the scheduled kick-off approaches at Lincoln Financial Field.

France v Sweden: Round Of 32 - FIFA World Cup 2026

Is Olise worth €223m? ‘Crazy numbers’ of Real interest addressed

Michael Olise is said to be attracting admiring glances from Real Madrid, with the Blancos reportedly prepared to pay a world record transfer fee of €223 million (£191m/$255m) for the Bayern Munich winger. Is he, or anybody, worth that kind of money? Former France international Louis Saha has endeavoured to answer that question for GOAL, with some “crazy numbers” flying around.

Didier Deschamps Rayan Cherki France 2026 World Cup

Why Cherki vs Deschamps is ‘not drama’ in France WC squad

The France national team are no strangers to World Cup soap operas, with some bizarre headlines being made down the years, but Louis Saha has told GOAL that Rayan Cherki’s apparent snubbing of head coach Didier Deschamps is “not drama”. The enigmatic Manchester City playmaker has seemingly not taken kindly to the lack of game time being passed his way at FIFA’s flagship event.

Kylian Mbappe World Cup Ballon d'Or France 2026

World Cup, Golden Boot, Ballon d’Or! Can Mbappe clean up?

Kylian Mbappe is capable of completing a clean sweep on the trophy front in 2026, Louis Saha has told GOAL, with the France international in contention for World Cup, Golden Boot, Golden Ball and Ballon d’Hor honours. The Real Madrid forward has been starring on the grandest of stages, with the perfect response being delivered to some “strange criticism”.

France forwards GFX

Where will France rank in the World Cup's greatest attacks?

It's fair to say that France's forward line has taken the 2026 World Cup by storm. After winning all three of their group games, Les Bleus defeated Sweden 3-0 in the round of 32 to become the tournament's top scorers at the time of writing, with 13 goals. Unsurprisingly, Kylian Mbappe has accounted for the majority of those goals, with the Real Madrid superstar striking six times in four outings so far.

William Saliba France 2026 World Cup

'The door is open' - Saliba tipped for Real Madrid transfer

France legend Marcel Desailly believes William Saliba's rise to becoming the "best defender in the world" at Arsenal makes a future move to Real Madrid inevitable. The former Chelsea star insists "the door is open" for Saliba to join the Spanish giants, and has ranked him above Gunners team-mate Gabriel in terms of overall quality.

Norway v France: Group I - FIFA World Cup 2026

Cherki 'hungry like crazy' for World Cup glory

Rayan Cherki has issued a defiant battle cry as France gear up for their World Cup round of 16 clash, insisting the squad is more motivated than ever. Despite recent scrutiny regarding his relationship with manager Didier Deschamps, the Manchester City playmaker insists his focus is firmly on their upcoming knockout clash against Paraguay.

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Messi & Mbappe the stars but Iniesta backs Yamal and Spain for glory

Andres Iniesta has backed Lamine Yamal to guide Spain to a second World Cup star, despite the teenager battling injury issues. Iniesta also highlighted the brilliance of Lionel Messi and Kylian Mbappe, who lead the scoring charts. Spain have progressed to face Austria, while France have already reached the last 16 in a highly unpredictable tournament.

Lamine Yamal Kylian Mbappe 2025-26

Mbappe 'far superior' to Yamal, claims Ballon d'Or winner

George Weah has dismissed comparisons between Real Madrid superstar Kylian Mbappe and Barcelona's teenage sensation Lamine Yamal, insisting the Frenchman is 'far superior'. The former Ballon d'Or winner delivered a glowing assessment of the France captain as Les Bleus continue their charge at the 2026 World Cup.

FBL-WC-2026-MATCH77-FRA-SWE

📽️ | Cherki appears to snub Deschamps in Sweden rout

France may have booked their place in the World Cup round of 16 with a dominant victory over Sweden, but the post-match celebrations have been marred by a seemingly frosty encounter between Rayan Cherki and Didier Deschamps. The Manchester City playmaker was captured on camera appearing to blank his manager at the final whistle, raising questions about the harmony within the Les Bleus camp.

France Ratings

Olise's genius helps Mbappe match Messi in France cruise

France cruised into the last 16 of the 2026 World Cup with a comprehensive 3-0 victory over Sweden on Tuesday, inspired by a Michael Olise masterclass. At his dazzling best in New Jersey, the Bayern Munich sensation was involved in absolutely everything as a Kylian Mbappe brace and Bradley Barcola strike ensured Les Bleus progressed from the round of 32 at a canter.

William Saliba France 2026 World Cup

Is Saliba injured? France boss delivers reassuring update

France manager Didier Deschamps has insisted he is not concerned by William Saliba's ongoing back injury ahead of their World Cup round of 32 clash against Sweden. The Arsenal defender admitted he is not playing at 100 per cent and has been forced to skip training sessions to manage the issue, but Deschamps believes the centre-back remains fully prepared to anchor Les Bleus' defence in New York.

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Mbappe 'on a mission' for France, says Deschamps

France head coach Didier Deschamps has launched a passionate defence of Kylian Mbappe, insisting the forward is currently on a single-minded mission to lead Les Bleus to further glory. The Real Madrid star has been the focal point of the French national team as they prepare for the high-stakes knockout rounds of the World Cup.

VfL Wolfsburg v FC Bayern München - Bundesliga

Olise eyes Bayern exit talks amidst Madrid interest

Michael Olise has emerged as one of the standout performers of the World Cup, cementing his status as one of global football's elite talents. Following an exceptional domestic campaign with Bayern Munich, the French international is now seeking clarity regarding his role at the Allianz Arena as heavyweight interest continues to mount.

FBL-WC-2026-MATCH42-FRA-IRQ

Lineker backs Deschamps for World Cup glory

Gary Lineker has named France as the outright favourites to win the World Cup, insisting that there is no manager in international football better suited to lifting the trophy than Didier Deschamps. The former England striker praised the leadership of the Les Bleus boss while simultaneously hitting out at FIFA for a controversial decision regarding the French national team.