Kylian Mbappé has achieved a rare FIFA World Cup feat, joining Lionel Messi in an exclusive club. This accomplishment came during France’s 2-0 victory over Morocco in the quarterfinals. During the match, Mbappé scored a goal, provided an assist, and missed a penalty, a combination of events that has only occurred four times in the last 60 years of the tournament.
Mbappé’s performance against Morocco saw him miss a penalty in the first half but then recover to contribute significantly to his team’s win. The 27-year-old forward fired home his eighth goal of the 2026 World Cup and the 20th World Cup goal of his career. Just six minutes later, he set up Ousmane Dembele, whose finish doubled France’s lead, securing their place in the semifinals. France is now set to face either Spain or Belgium in the next round.
A Rare World Cup Feat
The specific combination of scoring a goal, providing an assist, and missing a penalty in a single World Cup match is a rare occurrence. In the last 60 years, this has happened only four times. Two of these instances have taken place recently, with Lionel Messi achieving it against Egypt and Mbappé against Morocco.
The first player to achieve this unique feat was Ghana’s Asamoah Gyan against the Czech Republic at the 2006 World Cup. Following him, Karim Benzema accomplished it during France’s 5-2 win over Switzerland in the 2014 edition. Mbappé’s inclusion in this group highlights his comprehensive impact on the game.
Mbappé’s penalty miss occurred in the 25th minute after Morocco defender Noussair Mazraoui brought him down inside the penalty area. Despite a lengthy VAR review, Mbappé’s shot was saved by goalkeeper Yassine Bounou. According to one report, Mbappé has converted 65 of 80 career penalties, with a conversion rate of 81%.
Mbappé’s Continued World Cup Impact
This latest display further solidifies Mbappé’s impressive World Cup record. It marked the third time he has both scored and assisted in the same World Cup match. Only Lionel Messi has achieved this more often in the last 60 years, with five such games.
The French star also became the first player since 1966 to register 10 or more goal contributions in two different World Cups. He had 10 goal contributions in 2022 and has now accumulated 11 in the 2026 edition. His 20th World Cup goal places him within one strike of Messi’s total of 21 World Cup goals.
Mbappé, who plays for Real Madrid when not with the national team, has been a key reason for France’s success. He entered the match against Morocco with seven goals in five games in the 2026 World Cup. Overall, he has scored 19 goals in 19 World Cup matches. He is aiming to reach his third consecutive World Cup final in his third tournament.
The victory against Morocco propelled Les Bleus into the World Cup semifinals for the third consecutive tournament (2018, 2022, and 2026). This achievement makes France only the third nation to reach this milestone, alongside Germany and Brazil. It also marks France’s eighth World Cup semifinal appearance, matching Brazil for the second-most in tournament history. Germany holds the record with 12 semifinal appearances.
France will now continue their title defense as they prepare to face either Spain or Belgium for a spot in the World Cup final.
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Source: timesofindia.indiatimes.com
Priya Nair
Sports Reporter
