Kylian Mbappe has promised to work harder without the ball as France prepare to open their FIFA World Cup 2026 campaign against Senegal on Tuesday, acknowledging that his defensive contribution has fallen short of expectations.
The France captain, 27, made the admission in an interview with French newspaper La Parisien, where he faced questions from team-mates and friends — including his younger brother Ethan, who plays for Ligue One side Lille. When Ethan teased him about his defensive output, Mbappe did not shy away from the challenge.
