France captain Kylian Mbappé said he will increase his defensive work to help his national team during the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The commitment comes as Mbappé faces ongoing criticism regarding his lack of contribution to the defensive phase of the game. For a team seeking a tournament victory, the offensive output of their star player must be balanced with tactical discipline to avoid vulnerabilities in the midfield and back line.
Mbappé, who is 27 [1], has publicly addressed the need to evolve his role on the pitch. He said that he intends to push himself further to support the team's overall structure. "I will work harder defensively for France," Mbappé said.
This shift in focus follows years of scrutiny over his positioning when France does not have possession. Some critics point to high-scoring matches as evidence of this gap, such as the 2022 World Cup final that ended 3-3 after extra-time before Argentina won on penalties [2].
Not everyone is convinced that the forward can alter his natural style of play. Former player Franck Leboeuf said that Mbappé's inability to change his game is a problem, suggesting the player may struggle to implement these defensive changes effectively.
Mbappé has remained firm in his resolve to adapt. "I have to do it," Mbappé said. He said, "I need to push myself further."
The French squad will look to integrate this increased work rate as they prepare for their campaign. By tracking back more frequently, Mbappé could potentially reduce the pressure on France's defenders, and create a more cohesive transition between the defense and the attack.
“"I will work harder defensively for France."”
Mbappé's willingness to adapt his game reflects a tactical necessity for France. If the captain can successfully transition from a pure finisher to a more complete forward who contributes to the defensive phase, it removes a predictable weakness that opposing teams often exploit. However, the contradiction between Mbappé's vows and the skepticism of analysts like Leboeuf suggests that the success of this transition will be a key narrative to watch during the 2026 tournament.
