World Cup 2026: I don’t know if we are facing African champions – France captain Kylian Mbappé ahead of Senegal clash

France captain Kylian Mbappé shared a light-hearted moment when discussing his side’s upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup Group I opener against Senegal, admitting he was unsure who should be considered Africa’s reigning champions.

Speaking ahead of the highly anticipated encounter, Mbappe initially referred to Senegal as the continent’s champions before catching himself and jokingly acknowledging the ongoing confusion surrounding the African title.

“We face the African champions… ehm, I don’t know if Morocco or Senegal won it at the end!” Mbappe said with a smile.

“Let’s say the African champions!”

His comments come against the backdrop of the controversy that followed the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations final.

Senegal defeated Morocco on the pitch to lift the trophy, but the result was later overturned by the Confederation of African Football’s appeals process, with Morocco subsequently declared champions.

The decision has remained a subject of debate in African football circles.

Mbappe and France will begin their quest for a third World Cup title when they take on Senegal at the New York New Jersey Stadium on June 17 in what is expected to be one of the standout matches of the opening round of group-stage fixtures.

France enter the tournament among the favourites, while Senegal are widely regarded as one of Africa’s strongest representatives.

The fixture also carries historical significance. The two nations famously met in the opening match of the 2002 FIFA World Cup, when Senegal stunned the defending champions 1-0 in one of the greatest upsets in tournament history.

With Mbappe leading a star-studded French squad and Senegal eager to make another statement on the global stage, the Group I showdown promises to be one of the most intriguing contests of the tournament’s opening week.