What's Happening?
Kylian Mbappé scored his 51st goal for France in their 2-0 victory over Ukraine, tying Thierry Henry's record for second place on France's all-time scoring list. The match marked France's first game in the 2026 World Cup qualifying campaign, following their loss to Argentina in the 2022 final. Italy also secured a 5-0 win over Estonia, aiming to qualify for the World Cup after missing the last two editions. Other teams, including Switzerland and Greece, started their campaigns with strong performances.
Why It's Important?
Mbappé's achievement highlights his significant contribution to the French national team and his potential to become the country's top scorer. France's victory sets a positive tone for their qualifying campaign, while Italy's win reflects their determination to return to the World Cup stage. These matches underscore the competitive nature of the qualifiers and the importance of early victories in securing a place in the tournament.
What's Next?
France will continue their qualifying campaign against Iceland, while Italy prepares for a crucial match against Israel. The outcomes of these matches will influence the teams' standings and their chances of qualifying for the World Cup. The performances of key players like Mbappé will be closely watched as the qualifiers progress.
