Mbappe set for special 100th France appearance against Iraq

PHILADELPHIA: Kylian Mbappe is poised to reach another milestone for France when he makes his 100th international appearance in Monday's World Cup Group I match against Iraq, days after becoming his country's all-time leading scorer.

The France captain said the landmark would carry extra significance because it will come at a World Cup. Speaking to reporters in Philadelphia on Sunday, Mbappe said representing his country remained the highest honour and stressed that France's priority was securing qualification for the knockout stage with a second straight win.

Mbappe will become the 10th French player to reach 100 caps. He is still well short of the national appearance record of 145, held by former France goalkeeper Hugo Lloris.

His latest personal milestone follows France's 3-1 win over Senegal at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, where Mbappe scored twice. The brace took him to 58 international goals, moving him past Olivier Giroud's previous France record of 57.

World Cup stage central to Mbappe's rise

These achievements have come in a competition that has shaped Mbappe's international career. He emerged as one of the standout players of the 2018 World Cup in Russia, scoring four times as France lifted the trophy. Four years later in Qatar, he scored eight goals, including a hat-trick in the final against Lionel Messi's Argentina, although France lost on penalties.

Mbappe, now 27 and with Real Madrid, made his France debut in 2017 at the age of 18. He said he remained conscious of the responsibility that comes with playing at a World Cup for a country of more than 67 million people, while also trying to enjoy the occasion.

Speaking about his 100th cap, Mbappe said “It is always a pleasure to have the chance to play for your country. There is nothing bigger -- one hundred is a historic figure, and to have the chance to reach that tally here at a World Cup means it will be a special match for me”

He also underlined the importance of the result over the milestone itself. “The importance and the stakes of the match are what really matter and we need a win to go through”.

Chasing another record

Mbappe has scored 14 goals in 15 World Cup appearances and is now two shy of the overall tournament scoring record. That mark had previously belonged to Germany's Miroslav Klose with 16 goals and was matched by Messi after his hat-trick for Argentina against Algeria last Tuesday.

On the prospect of catching that record, Mbappe said “I knew Leo Messi would score goals, he always does. He has the record, I am just behind and I will keep trying to score goals”.

“That will bring me closer to the record, but the most important thing is going as far as possible with my team”.

He also said a double against Senegal was not enough on its own to reflect the full extent of his ability on the biggest stage, despite his strong start to the tournament.

Open to MLS later in career

Mbappe also spoke about playing in the United States and suggested he could consider a move to Major League Soccer later in his career. He said he appreciated the country's culture and mindset, and revealed that David Beckham had often raised the possibility with him.

“Of course, the culture is different to ours in Europe, and I have always liked that, the fact that people have ambitions with no limits, and are not afraid to say it”, he stated.

“Will I come here at the end of my career? I don't know. David Beckham often asks me. We will see, but it is a country I like and I am happy to be here”, he added.

However, Mbappe indicated he does not expect to still be appearing at World Cups into his forties, joking about the prospect in contrast to Cristiano Ronaldo's presence at this year's tournament.

“I won't be doing this at 40, you will have got rid of me by then”, he stated.