Although he scored a stunning hat-trick in the 3-3 draw before the Europeans eventually lost 4-2 on penalties, the Real Madrid star admitted the painful night in Qatar remains “historic” but difficult to revisit.
In an emotional interview conducted just one week before the 2026 World Cup, the French skipper opened up on the lasting impact of that defeat.
"The greatest final of all time? I think nothing matches it in terms of entertainment, the clash, the match scenario, with so many twists and turns. It ended with penalties, the most brutal way for anyone,” Mbappe revealed in an interview with Sorare.
“It was either Lionel Messi’s first World Cup win or a back-to-back for France, so it was historic no matter what. (...) Have I watched the match again since? Never! I think if I do, it might awaken some demons.”