"We're playing against the African champions": Kylian Mbappé discusses the Senegal-France match

Just days before France's entry into the 2026 World Cup, Kylian Mbappé reignited the controversy stemming from the Africa Cup of Nations final by questioning, in an ironic tone, the identity of the true African champion.

Interviewed by M6 before the France-Senegal match scheduled for June 16, the French captain made a remark that did not go unnoticed. "We're playing against the African champions, I don't know if it's them or not, since Morocco is also playing," he said with a laugh, before adding: "We're going to stay out of that."

These comments, reported by RMC Sport, echo the controversy that arose after the final of the 2026 Africa Cup of Nations. Initially won by Senegal, the tournament was subsequently the subject of a controversial decision by the Confederation of African Football (CAF), leading to several appeals and a dispute that remains at the heart of sporting and legal debates.

Beyond this pointed remark, Mbappé praised the quality of their Senegalese opponents. "They're a great team, it's fantastic to start like this," he declared, also highlighting the historical significance of this match between the two nations. "You can't deny there's a history between France and Senegal. That's going to make this match even more exciting," he added.

The French captain also reaffirmed his ambitions for this World Cup, stating that his main objective remains winning the trophy. "What I want is to come back with the Cup on July 20th," he insisted.

The match between France and Senegal is one of the most anticipated fixtures of the first round of the 2026 World Cup. It notably recalls the historic victory of the Lions against Les Bleus (1-0) in the opening match of the 2002 World Cup in South Korea and Japan.