Kylian Mbappe has pledged to step up his defensive contributions as France begin their World Cup 2026 campaign against Senegal on Tuesday. The Real Madrid forward, who captains the French side, acknowledged shortcomings in his defensive work and vowed to address them.

Mbappe's commitment comes amid criticism of his performances and leadership at both club and international level. Ousmane Dembele recently defended his teammate publicly, suggesting the scrutiny had become excessive. The Real Madrid striker's defensive effort has been questioned throughout his career, despite his obvious attacking prowess.

Speaking to La Parisien, Mbappe revealed that even his younger brother Ethan - a Lille player - has ribbed him about defensive work. When asked about this area of his game, the 27-year-old admitted he must improve. 'I need to take the extra step because it's something important for the team,' he stated.

This shift in focus could prove decisive for France's title ambitions. Mbappe's willingness to adapt his game demonstrates maturity, though whether he can consistently deliver defensive work remains to be seen. France need their captain leading by example.