Mbappe equals Deschamps' record and chases the all-time top scorer

Kylian Mbappé, the star and captain of the French national team and Les Bleus' all-time leading scorer, continues his pursuit of records throughout his country's journey in the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which will be held in the United States, Canada, and Mexico. Mbappé started for his country against Paraguay in the Round of 16, marking his 103rd appearance for France. This equals Didier Deschamps' record, the current coach who won the World Cup with Les Bleus as a player in 1998 and as a coach in 2018. Opta statistics indicate that Mbappé is now tied with Deschamps for ninth place on the list of players with the most appearances for France. The Real Madrid star also became the second most capped French player with 19 appearances, tied with his former teammate Antoine Griezmann. Goalkeeper Hugo Lloris tops the list with 20 World Cup appearances before retiring from international football in early 2023, leaving Kylian Mbappé just one match away from claiming the top spot. In third place is Olivier Giroud with 18 appearances, tied with former Real Madrid and Manchester United defender Raphael Varane. Kylian Mbappé scored six goals in the 2026 World Cup, bringing his total to 18, just two shy of Lionel Messi's record of 20 World Cup goals. Mbappé helped France win the 2018 World Cup, finish as runners-up in the 2022 World Cup, and win the UEFA Nations League in 2021, as well as securing a bronze medal in the same tournament in 2025. The winner of the France-Paraguay match will face Morocco, who became the first team to qualify for the quarterfinals with a 3-0 victory over Canada.