Kylian Mbappe was on target once again for France as the Real Madrid superstar drew level with Thierry Henry’s tally of 51 international goals, helping Les Bleus start their 2026 World Cup qualifying campaign with a 2-0 win over Ukraine in Wroclaw, Poland.
France wasted little time asserting themselves, breaking the deadlock after just 10 minutes. Michael Olise, making a lively start in midfield, released Bradley Barcola down the left before continuing his run into the box. The Bayern Munich man returned the ball perfectly for Olise, who arrived unmarked to sweep a first-time finish into the bottom corner.
After controlling much of the contest, France sealed the victory in the closing stages through their captain. With eight minutes left, Madrid teammates combined as Aurélien Tchouaméni launched a swift counter-attack before sliding Mbappe through on goal. The forward made no mistake, calmly slotting home to equal Henry’s mark and move within six goals of Olivier Giroud’s all-time French record of 57.
The 26-year-old is firmly on course to surpass Giroud after the veteran striker announced his international retirement following Euro 2024, where France fell in the semi-finals to eventual champions Spain. Already a World Cup winner in 2018 and Nations League champion in 2021, Mbappé made clear his ambitions remain focused on team success.
“Big up to Titi [Henry]! But now I want to surpass him,” Mbappe told TF1. “It’s an honour to equal a player like Henry. Everyone knows what he means to us French people, especially strikers. He paved the way and I have so much respect for him. Reaching this milestone so early is crazy, but I like it. I want to keep going and, above all, win games and titles.”
France return to action on Tuesday when they host Iceland at the Parc des Princes, aiming to strengthen their grip on Group D.
Retegui double lifts Italy under new coach Gattuso
Elsewhere, Italy cruised to a 5-0 victory over Estonia in Bergamo to give new boss Gennaro Gattuso a winning start. Saudi Pro League forward Mateo Retegui was the star of the show, scoring twice and assisting Moise Kean for the opener at his former club ground.
Further goals from Giacomo Raspadori and Alessandro Bastoni completed the rout, leaving Italy third in Group I after three games. Norway remain top, six points clear with a superior goal difference.
Gattuso praised his squad’s hunger and attitude while urging caution ahead of Monday’s key clash with Israel. “We’ve worked hard and created a good atmosphere,” he said. “But nothing can be taken for granted. Our objective is to bring enthusiasm back to the Italian people.”
