Mbappe denied third straight World Cup final
France's Kylian Mbappé failed to reach a third consecutive World Cup final after a 2-0 loss to Spain in the semifinals. Mbappé will now compete in the third-place match while continuing his race for the Golden Boot award.
Why it matters
The World Cup is the most-watched sporting event globally, and the performance of star players like Mbappé significantly impacts sports media narratives and betting markets.
France's Kylian Mbappe walks off the pitch as time expires during the World Cup semifinal soccer match between France and Spain in Arlington, Texas, near Dallas, Tuesday, July 14, 2026. (David J. Phillip/AP) ARLINGTON, Texas — Kylian Mbappé saw it for himself on the field: France simply didn’t play well enough to reach a third consecutive World Cup final.
The France striker will have to settle for a third-place match and the continuing chase for another Golden Boot award in a tight race with Argentina superstar Lionel Messi.
Mbappé, one of the biggest stars of this year's World Cup and one of the game's greatest scorers, just couldn't generate many chances in his team's 2-0 loss to Spain in the semifinals on Tuesday.
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