Kylian Mbappe Shines as France Continues Winning Streak in World Cup Qualifiers
Kylian Mbappe extended his remarkable scoring streak to ten consecutive games for club and country, helping France maintain their perfect start in the World Cup 2026 qualifying campaign.
The Real Madrid forward netted his 53rd international goal during first-half injury time, skillfully maneuvering through Azerbaijan's defense before placing a shot into the bottom right corner.
This goal marked Mbappe's 17th of the season, having scored in all but one of his 13 appearances for both France and Real Madrid this term.
In the second half, the 26-year-old turned provider, delivering a precise cross for AC Milan midfielder Adrien Rabiot, who headed in France's second goal in the 69th minute.
Despite being uncertain for Friday's match due to an ankle issue, Mbappe signaled to be substituted with eight minutes left in the game.
He was replaced by Florian Thauvin, a former Newcastle United midfielder now at Lens, making his return to the national team after last appearing in 2019. Thauvin capped off the victory with a well-placed left-footed shot.
However, the night was undeniably Mbappe's. Appointed captain of France in 2023, he has experienced the most prolific start to a season in his career.
While Mbappe is arguably the most in-form player in Europe, he finds himself behind rivals Erling Haaland and Harry Kane in the scoring charts.
Manchester City's Haaland has scored 18 goals in 11 appearances, while Kane boasts an even more impressive tally of 18 goals in just 10 matches for Bayern Munich and England.
Both players have also scored in all but one of their matches this season, with Haaland netting five goals in Norway's 11-1 victory against Moldova in September, leading the scoring charts in European qualification for the 2026 World Cup with nine goals.
England captain Kane has found the net 11 times in six Bundesliga matches, placing him well ahead of second-placed Luis Diaz as the top scorer in Germany.
Despite this, Mbappe currently leads the Champions League scoring charts, having scored five goals in two appearances, while Kane follows with four and Haaland is tied for third with three goals.