Kylian Mbappe: If we have to get our hands dirty, we will
France captain Kylian Mbappe said his side proved they are much more than an entertaining attacking side after they grinded out a hard-fought victory over Paraguay in the FIFA World Cup round of 16, insisting Les Bleus are equally capable of winning a physical and dirty battle if needed.
After France secured their place in the quarter-finals, Mbappe said the team’s display against Paraguay showed they can adapt to whatever the occasion calls for.
“If we have to get our hands dirty, we will,” Mbappe said in a post-match interview.
“They thought we would come in tuxedos, play nice football with one-twos and attacking moves. But we know how to play ugly football. We did that today, we won and we were better than them in that kind of game.”
Paraguay vs. France FIFA World Cup 2026 16: Highlights | Message
Paraguay turned the knockout clash into a pointless affair, repeatedly trying to disrupt France’s rhythm and draw players into confrontations. However, Mbappe said that the French team expected exactly such a match.
“We knew what kind of game we were going to face. Today we showed that we are not just a team that knows how to play attacking football.”
BEAT THEM AT THEIR OWN GAME
The Real Madrid forward also brushed off Paraguay’s attempts to unsettle France during the closing stages of the match, saying each team has its own way of competing.
“That’s their football. That’s how they play,” Mbappe said.
“Everybody uses the weapons they have. There’s no right or wrong way to play football. There’s only one way, and that’s to win.”
“They tried to beat us that way, but we beat them at their own game. France is ready to fight dirty to win the 2026 FIFA World Cup. (Image: Reuters)
France eventually came through one of their sternest tests of the tournament to reach the last 16, showing a side of their game that was often overshadowed by their attacking quality.
ANOTHER MOROCCO
France now takes over Morocco in the quarter-finalswith a tie against Mbappe’s close friend and former Paris Saint-Germain teammate Achraf Hakimi.
Mbappe revealed that Hakimi may have spoken out after the game, but said the friendship will be put on hold once the two teams take to the pitch.
“I think he already wrote me, I haven’t checked yet,” said Mbappe.
“We know that Morocco is a very good team and we are very happy to play against them. We will give everything to continue our journey.”
France head into the round of 16 with momentum on their side and if Mbappe’s post-match remarks are anything to go by, Didier Deschamps’ men are ready to win whatever the game calls for.
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Issued by:
Amar Panicker
Published on:
05 Jul 2026 06:07 IST