Story perspectives

Mbappé Penalty Ties Messi Record, Sends France to Quarterfinals

7/5/2026

Summary

Story summary

Kylian Mbappé’s penalty secured a 1-0 victory for France over Paraguay, tying Lionel Messi’s World Cup record with seven goals.
The win advances France to a quarter-final against Morocco on July 9 in Foxborough, Massachusetts.
The Philadelphia match drew 68,324 spectators and was played in 38 °C heat under extreme-weather warnings.
Pre-match entertainment featured Idina Menzel singing the U.S. anthem, hip-hop group The Roots performing, and a U.S. Air Force flyover.

History

Historical Context

France’s 3-0 victory over Brazil in the 1998 World Cup final at the Stade de France, witnessed by 80,000 spectators, secured its second title in a tournament held every four years since 1930. The match is remembered for dramatic incidents such as Brazil star Ronaldo’s seizure before kickoff. That legacy of French triumph and high-profile drama shapes expectations for today’s French squad.

1 of 2

Story summary

Kylian Mbappé’s penalty secured a 1-0 victory for France over Paraguay, tying Lionel Messi’s World Cup record with seven goals.
The win advances France to a quarter-final against Morocco on July 9 in Foxborough, Massachusetts.
The Philadelphia match drew 68,324 spectators and was played in 38 °C heat under extreme-weather warnings.
Pre-match entertainment featured Idina Menzel singing the U.S. anthem, hip-hop group The Roots performing, and a U.S. Air Force flyover.

1 / 2