FIFA World Cup 2026: France superstar Kylian Mbappe’s penalty problem

[[{“value”:”

Kylian Mbappe missed a first-half penalty against Morocco as his uncharacteristically feeble spot-kick was easily saved by goalkeeper Yassine Bouno.

France’s forward Kylian Mbappe reacts to a missed penalty kick during the 2026 World Cup football tournament quarter-final match between France and Morocco at Boston Stadium in Foxborough. Pic/AFP

Mbappe later revealed he was distracted before the kick. As soon as Morocco’s Noussair Mazraoui brought Mbappe down in the box, Argentine referee Facundo Tello pointed to the spot. However, as Mbappe stepped up to take it, Tello stopped him, saying that VAR was still checking something.  “I shot my penalty poorly, but it was tricky. There was a mix-up. The referee tells me there’s a penalty. I get ready. Then he comes to tell me there might not be a penalty after all. 

I let myself get distracted. I wasn’t familiar with that scenario yet,” said Mbappe.

This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever

“}]]