Mbappé: France ready for anything to advance in World Cup

France's captain Kylian Mbappé declared the squad is ready to do whatever it takes to advance in the 2026 World Cup after a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Paraguay in the Round of 16. Mbappé converted a penalty in the 70th minute, securing a narrow win against Gustavo Alfaro's team.

This goal marked the Real Madrid star's seventh of the tournament and 19th overall in World Cup history. The match was intense, with Mbappé frequently targeted by opposing players, especially before his penalty kick, which involved pushing and jostling in the box. Mbappé stated that France anticipated a physical game and was prepared to match it.

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We knew the type of match we would face, and I think everything went well today. They might have thought we only came to play beautiful, attacking football. But we also know how to handle tough, physical games. We did it today, we won, and in that aspect, we were better than them.

"We knew the type of match we would face, and I think everything went well today," Mbappé said. "They might have thought we only came to play beautiful, attacking football. But we also know how to handle tough, physical games. We did it today, we won, and in that aspect, we were better than them."

Mbappé emphasized that France is not solely an attacking team. "The way we played today proves we don't just know how to attack. If the situation requires us to play rougher and fight with all our might, we have no problem doing it," he added. France now prepares for a quarterfinal clash against Morocco in Boston, continuing their quest for a world title.

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The way we played today proves we don't just know how to attack. If the situation requires us to play rougher and fight with all our might, we have no problem doing it.