France captain Kylian Mbappe has explained why he failed to convert a first-half penalty during his side’s 2-0 victory over Morocco in the quarter-finals of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Mbappe was presented with an opportunity to put Les Bleus ahead after he was brought down inside the penalty area by Noussair Mazraoui.
However, after a lengthy VAR review, the France skipper saw his spot-kick saved by Morocco goalkeeper Yassine Bounou, leaving the score level at 0-0.
The 27-year-old made amends in the 60th minute, curling a superb strike into the net to give France the lead.
Ousmane Dembele doubled the advantage six minutes later as the 2018 world champions secured their place in the semi-finals.
Speaking after the match, Mbappe admitted the uncertainty surrounding the VAR check affected his concentration before taking the penalty.
“I shot the penalty badly, but it was tricky, there was confusion,” Mbappe said.
“The referee tells me it’s a penalty, so I got prepared. Then, he comes and tells me it may not be a penalty.
“I lost my focus. I’ve never been in a situation like this before.”
