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Stephen A. Smith questions France's World Cup potential with Mbappé

Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Jun 17, 2026, 8:30 PM

Last updated Jun 17, 2026

Stephen A. Smith questions France's World Cup potential with Mbappé

Summary

On June 17, Stephen A. Smith discussed Kylian Mbappé and the French national team during ESPN's First Take, pondering if this World Cup could finally see them win again. Mbappé scored two goals recently, boosting interest in France's tournament prospects. Smith's comments sparked debate, particularly as he overlooked France’s recent victory in the 2018 World Cup. An anonymous Fox executive had criticized ESPN's soccer coverage, highlighting the importance of personalities like Smith for promoting soccer in the U.S.

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By the Numbers

•Smith questions if France will win another World Cup with Mbappé.
•Mbappé scored two goals in a recent match.
•France won the World Cup in 2018, with Mbappé being a key player.
•A Fox executive criticized ESPN's World Cup coverage.
•ESPN relies on expert Roger Bennett to enhance its soccer analysis.

Latest Updates

8:30 PMYahoo Sports — Stephen A. Smith wonders when Kylian Mbappé and France will ‘finally’ win World Cup

What they're saying

"
Fox wants ESPN to talk more about the World Cup, and Stephen A. Smith is just trying to give the people what they want. With the FIFA World Cup underway, Smith and First Take have leaned on Men In Blazers founder Roger Bennett for his soccer expertise in the last week, which is great. But…
— Yahoo Sports

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