The French star Kylian Mbappe, captain of the French national team, appeared at a press conference before the match against Ukraine tomorrow, Friday, as part of the qualifiers for the 2026 World Cup, which will be held in the United States, Canada, and Mexico.

Mbappe said: "I am happy to start a new season full of challenges. This is an important year for me, with the club and the national team, and everything is available to achieve great accomplishments. Now we have to turn that into reality. I try to focus on each match separately, and the start will be tomorrow against Ukraine in a difficult qualifier that will lead us to the United States."

Regarding playing in a 4-2-3-1 system, Mbappe clarified: "This system does not change much for me; I can play in any style, but for the team, it gives us greater attacking flexibility. It helps us coordinate and create danger, but it requires greater defensive balance. Against Spain, we conceded five goals, and against Germany, we did not concede any goals, but we could have received three or four if it weren't for the brilliance of Mike Maignan."

On the frequency of matches: "I don't think a player can maintain a high level throughout 60 matches in a season. Physically it is possible, but performance is affected. I used to think that the number of matches was exaggerated, but now I see that the problem lies in the lack of rest during breaks. We need enough time to recover before resuming the season."

He concluded about Didier Deschamps: "He is a legend in French football as a player and coach. When he came, France was not as it is today. He brought us back to the top, and it is enough that he contributed to winning two stars on the shirt. We hope to give him the best farewell possible by winning the World Cup in New York."