Mbappé Praises Spain but Questions Their Youth

French superstar Kylian Mbappé has recognized the remarkable level of the Spain National Team, which is currently on an impressive 28-match unbeaten streak and considered one of the top favorites heading into the 2026 World Cup. However, the Real Madrid forward also issued a warning — inexperience could be a decisive factor when the pressure mounts.

“Spain is a team that controls matches very well; they know how to dictate the pace and are technically excellent. They’re one of the few national teams whose players grow up playing the same style from youth levels to the senior team,” said the Frenchman during his interview on Universo Valdano.

Still, Mbappé emphasized that “a World Cup is different.” “Arriving in great form doesn’t guarantee anything. Spain has a very young team, with many players who don’t yet know what a World Cup feels like. For me, they’re the best team in Europe — they won the Euros playing fantastic football — but a World Cup is another story. I hope they play well, but I want France to win,” he added with a smile.

The Voice of a World Champion

The French forward spoke from experience, having already played in two World Cups — winning Russia 2018 and losing the Qatar 2022 final to Argentina, despite scoring a historic hat trick. “I’ve lived through every possible emotion in a World Cup. The pressure of carrying your country is unique, and not every player can handle that,” he reflected.

This season, Mbappé is also chasing greatness with Real Madrid, combining his pursuit of major club titles with his dream of reclaiming the world crown. “I dream of scoring in another World Cup final — and winning it. Losing one hurts deeply, but in France, we say there’s no two without three. I’m hoping for a third final to win after learning from 2022,” he said.

Finally, the French captain made it clear that nothing will distract him from his goal heading into the next World Cup, set to take place in the United States, Canada, and Mexico. “It might be hot, and the travel long, but that doesn’t matter. A World Cup is the most important thing for a footballer, and we’ll give everything to win it,” concluded Mbappé, already thinking about redemption in 2026.