Mbappe reportedly welcomed expansion, calling it “an incredible opportunity for many national teams”. That much is fair: more places should mean more stories, more styles and a broader tournament.
But there is another truth here.
When a World Cup arrives without certain traditional powers, the event can still thrive. It just does so with a little less history in the room.
This was not a token line from the France captain. “I am very fond of Italy,” Mbappe said, adding: “I have played with great Italian players, I have many friends there and when I can I go on holiday in your country. I feel wonderful there, the people are incredibly kind to me.”
That gives his view extra weight. This is not just respect for a famous badge; it appears to come from genuine affection, shaped by dressing-room bonds and time spent in the country.
If the report is accurate, Mbappe also has huge personal landmarks in sight.
That is what makes the next chapter so compelling. France may again lean on Mbappe for the biggest moments, and if they go deep, the conversation could quickly shift from sympathy for Italy to whether one of the modern era’s defining forwards can start rewriting the record books.