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France captain Kylian Mbappe has passionately defended his national team-mate Ousmane Dembele after the winger received criticism for his performance against Senegal. Ahead of France’s second 2026 World Cup group stage clash with Iraq, the Real Madrid striker reminded everyone of Dembele’s strategic importance and Ballon d’Or credentials, while also sharing his thoughts on the challenges of leadership and Michael Olise’s growing influence.

Backing his team-mate

Speaking as the skipper at a pre-match press conference, Mbappe was quick to stand up for Dembele. While both he and Michael Olise were praised for their decisive second-half contributions in France’s win over Senegal, Mbappe emphasised that Dembele had actually been the team’s most effective forward during the first half.

As Mbappe prepares to make his 100th appearance for France, he dismissed any suggestion that Dembele has been underperforming on the global stage. He instead praised the Paris Saint-Germain winger’s tactical intelligence, noting that Dembele’s positioning and movement help create vital space for his team-mates throughout matches.

The Ballon d’Or winner’s influence

When asked about Dembele’s perceived lack of spark in the previous fixture, Mbappe gave a detailed response, highlighting the less visible aspects of his fellow attacker’s contributions.

Mbappe explained: “Ousmane? I’ve watched the match twice; during the first half he was the best performer among the four attackers, the one who stood out the most. In the second half, Michael and I made the difference, but he also played his part. He attracted a defender and opened up space for the first goal. Ousmane is calm, he’s the Ballon d’Or winner, and he has everyone’s trust. I’m certain that from tomorrow he’ll be back to his best. He’s going to be an essential player for us, without a doubt.”

Handling the captain’s role and praising Olise

Mbappe also reflected on the responsibility of captaining France. “I understand what I represent and I’m aware that I’m making history for my country,” he said. “At times the pressure can be intense, but I’ve been fortunate to play in this competition before, and I know that scoring twice in the first match is not enough.”

He went on to praise Olise, saying: “He’s a brilliant player with a style that everyone enjoys. There’s a lot of movement and creativity in the squad, and maybe tomorrow it will be someone else’s turn to shine. He has the quality to produce something special in every match.”

What lies ahead for France?

France are putting the finishing touches on their preparations before taking on Iraq on Monday in what promises to be another exciting World Cup encounter. With Mbappe leading from the front, Olise adding flair in attack, and Dembele determined to silence his critics, Les Bleus will aim for a commanding performance. A win would secure their place in the round of 16, with one group fixture against Norway still remaining.