Kylian Mbappé: With His Sights Set on the 2026 World Cup
After the scar left by Qatar 2022, Kylian Mbappé has turned defeat into fuel. The Real Madrid star is already thinking about the 2026 World Cup, with his sights set on a single goal: to reclaim the crown that was once his.
Mbappé Trades Revenge for Redemption
For Kylian Mbappé, the 2026 World Cup isn’t just another date on the calendar, it’s a personal mission. At 26, the French star has already lived what many only dream of, but now he wants to close the circle that began in Qatar.
In his conversation with Jorge Valdano for Universo Valdano on Movistar Plus+, the Real Madrid forward was clear: “Losing the 2022 final taught me what it really means to win. I want to come back and fight for the title with the same passion, but with more maturity and preparation.”
A sentence that perfectly summarizes the mental transformation of the footballer from Bondy.
Mbappé isn’t seeking revenge, he’s chasing perfection. Turning frustration into growth. After the heartbreak against Argentina, his mindset shifted: he stopped being the impulsive jewel of French football and became a leader fully aware of his place in history.
From the Wound to Success
Qatar 2022 was an emotional roller coaster. Mbappé delivered a hat-trick in a final for the ages, but the ending left him empty. Today, he admits that loss became his turning point. And his current numbers prove it.
At Real Madrid, Mbappé has taken his game to an entirely new level. In just eight league matches, he has 9 goals and 3 assists, while leading in sprint speed and attacking efficiency. His football is no longer based solely on raw explosiveness; now it blends patience, intelligence, and a lethal mentality.
The Leader France Needed
Didier Deschamps knows it: Mbappé is no longer just the offensive reference, he’s the captain who sets the emotional tone of the locker room. His influence goes far beyond goals.
At the 2026 World Cup, France will have a new look but the same hope that Kylian leads them back to the top.
His bond with young stars like Tchouaméni, Camavinga, and Thuram forms the backbone of a generation determined to reclaim lost dominance.
The Road to Redemption
Mbappé approaches 2026 faster, stronger, and above all, more human. It’s no longer about being the best in the world — it’s about leaving a legacy that endures.
His obsession with the World Cup doesn’t come from ego but from a deep desire for redemption. He knows football rarely offers second chances… but he’s ready to write history once again.
France has its leader, Real Madrid has its silent assassin, and the world of football has the protagonist it’s been waiting for.
2026 isn’t about revenge, it’s about destiny.
