Mbappe competes with the legends… The acquisition of Henry and Barthes against the “Real” star.

Confronting history in front of Norway

On a night he doesn’t know half, France enter the third and decisive round of the group stage of the 2026 World Cup against Norway with one motto: victory or difficult calculations.

The Roosters are looking for a lead with Mbappe aiming to enter the record of the immortals and with the new cards Deschamps pushing into the middle of the pitch for the first time since the clash with Iceland.

The French football statistics network “Statesfoot” reports that Kylian Mbappe is making his seventeenth World Cup finals appearance for the “Roosters”, repeating the record of the historic pair of Fabien Barthez and Thierry Henry.

The Real Madrid star is on the brink of a move to the senior club in a clash that could give him a historic lead if he continues to shine in the coming rounds.

Didier Deschamps, who will miss the match due to the death of his mother, has decided to bring back duo Manu Kun and Aurelien Chouamine for the first time since September 9, 2025 against Iceland.

Deschamps’ bet on strength and solidity in midfield comes at a crucial time against Erling Holland’s side, in a game that cannot be split in two, with leadership as his sole objective.

For his part, Jules Cundet continues to write his own numbers, according to the same network, as he has started France’s last 13 matches at major tournaments, the current best record of any player in the Roosters’ ranks.

The continuity of the “Barcelona” defender gives the technical staff of the French national team defensive stability ahead of the fiery battle with Norway, which will determine the characteristics of the leaders and the ticket to the eighth final.

 

🇫🇷 Kylian Mbappe will play his 17th match with the French national team in the World Cup. He will be level with Fabien Barthez and Thierry Henry. #FRANOR:

— Stats Foot (@Statsdufoot) June 26, 2026

 

Jules Cunde has started France’s last 13 major tournament matches, the player’s best current season. #FRANOR:

— Stats Foot (@Statsdufoot) June 26, 2026

 

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