​Kylian Mbappe’s return to the sport’s biggest stages comes as France again sits among the favorites to claim World Cup glory in 2026. Mbappe has lit up his first two seasons with Real Madrid with an astonishing 86 goals in 103 appearances, a remarkable haul that underscores his ongoing brilliance. Yet, amid Madrid’s broader trophy drought and the absence of La Liga or Champions League titles at the same time as Paris Saint‑Germain’s recent domestic and European dominance, the club picture for the 27-year-old remains complex.
Mbappe has already delivered standout performances on the world stage. He became the first teenager since Pele to score in a World Cup final when France triumphed 4‑2 over Croatia in 2018, securing their second title. Four years later, in the showpiece match, France fell in a penalty shootout against Lionel Messi and Argentina, but Mbappe etched himself into history again by becoming only the second player ever—and the first since Geoff Hurst in 1966—to score a hat-trick in a World Cup final. He finished that tournament as the top scorer with eight goals, edging out Messi by one.
In North America, Mbappe is poised to reaffirm his status as one of football’s elite talents, with all of France’s matches attracting global attention. Here is a comprehensive guide to Mbappe’s World Cup journey, including the latest tournament results andFixture details. France advanced to the semifinals by defeating Morocco 2‑0 and will now face Spain in a high-stakes showdown.
The semifinal is scheduled for Tuesday, July 14, with kickoff at 3:00 p.m. Eastern Time, at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas. This fixture marks a pivotal moment as France aims to reach the final once again and push toward becoming champions in a second consecutive World Cup appearance.
Here are the key recent and forthcoming results that have shaped France’s campaign. In the group stage, France opened with a 3‑1 victory over Senegal at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, followed by a 3‑0 win against Iraq at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia. The team then overwhelmed Norway 4‑1 at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough. In the knockout rounds, France beat Sweden 3‑0 in the Round of 32 at MetLife Stadium, then advanced from the Round of 16 with a 5‑0 demolition of Paraguay at Lincoln Financial Field. The quarterfinal saw France secure a 2‑0 win against Morocco at Gillette Stadium, setting up the Spain showdown in the semifinals.
If you’re planning to watch, be aware that FOX is the primary English-language broadcaster for the 2026 FIFA World Cup in the United States, with rights to all 104 matches. The main FOX network will air 69 matches, and FS1 will broadcast the remaining 35 matches. For Spanish-language viewers, access to a high-quality stream will be available via platforms aligned with the network’s Spanish-language distribution, ensuring fans across the U.S. can follow Mbappe and France through every stage of the tournament.
For those seeking more in-depth coverage, The Sporting News has highlighted Mbappe’s World Cup journey, including match-by-match analysis, tactical breakdowns, and a closer look at his impact on France’s campaign. If you’d like to make The Sporting News a preferred source for ongoing updates, you can add it to your favorites by following the “Preferred Source” option.
In sum, Mbappe’s return to the World Cup stage reaffirms his status as a global superstar and a central figure in France’s bid for glory. The semifinals against Spain will be a defining moment, with France aiming to extend their legacy and Mbappe seeking to add another extraordinary chapter to his already remarkable World Cup story.