World Cup 2026: A Moral Anchor

According to a TTXVN correspondent in Paris, the French newspaper L'Équipe noted that Mbappé left a further impression on his teammates by remaining calm in the face of Paraguay's aggressive play and provocations. Despite repeatedly being the target of fouls and collisions, the 27-year-old forward continued to play with high determination, refusing to let emotions take over and actively boosting the team's morale.

After the match, coach Didier Deschamps revealed that he instructed the two fittest players on the bench to quickly approach and protect Mbappé as soon as the referee blew the final whistle, in order to avoid unnecessary clashes. According to Deschamps, this shows the importance of the French captain as well as the unity among team members.

The "Les Bleus" tactician also dismissed assessments that Mbappé has a tough or imposing leadership style. He affirmed that the French forward always puts the collective interest first, regularly communicates the players' wishes to the coaching staff, and is trusted by the entire team.

According to L'Équipe, the 2026 World Cup has also revealed another side of Mbappé, as he actively participates more in defensive support than before. From the training camp at the Clairefontaine National Football Center ahead of the tournament, the French captain maintained a high training intensity, motivating his teammates to push harder.

Mbappé's influence is also evident off the pitch. Before the team left for the World Cup, he represented the players in negotiations with the French Football Federation (FFF) regarding bonus arrangements and living conditions during the tournament.

After five consecutive wins, the French team has shown impressive form at the 2026 World Cup. Along this journey, Mbappé's role is measured not only by goals and assists but also by his ability to inspire, unify the team, and lead his teammates through difficult moments. This is also viewed by French media as one of the key factors helping "Les Bleus" nurture hopes of winning the World Cup for the third time in history.