Why Kylian Mbappe is not France's most important player at the World Cup

France will face Iraq on Monday at 5 p.m. ET in Matchday 2 of Group I at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

On paper, it may seem as though the weight of the team rests on the shoulders of one player: Kylian Mbappe. However, the 27-year-old Frenchman is no longer the most important piece in Didier Deschamps’ squad, and here’s why.

Mbappe is no longer the player he once was in his early years at Paris Saint-Germain and AS Monaco, when he at times looked like a complete playmaker. He has evolved into a more hermetic forward. Of course, he remains a goal-scoring machine, but that's it.

At Paris Saint-Germain, he stood out in French soccer mainly because of his ability to attack space. In other words, receiving through balls while making forward runs at speed. That scenario still suits him to this day. However, he is now rarely seen providing assists or creating scoring opportunities, at least not on very many occasions.

Defending is also an area where he has room for improvement. Ousmane Dembele, a two-time UEFA Champions League winner with PSG, has reportedly told him that he needs to improve in that aspect of his game.

Michael Olise, Desire Doue and Ousmane Dembele must step up alongside Kylian Mbappe

So, who is France’s most important player? They don't have just one name. There are several candidates, but those who control the midfield or create danger from the wings through their dribbling and creativity are arguably the ones who can truly be the difference.

Bayern Munich star Michael Olise and PSG winger Desire Doue are two clear examples. Even Dembele himself.

While Real Madrid's Aurelien Tchouameni and AC Milan's Adrien Rabiot fulfill different roles, often with a greater defensive focus, it is the wingers and attacking fullbacks who can have the biggest impact by helping their offensive teammates shine.

A perfectly weighted outside-of-the-foot assist from Olise, a defense-splitting through ball from Doue or a pinpoint cross from Theo Hernandez — those are the kinds of moments that will be crucial in bringing the best out of Mbappe and the rest of France’s attacking players.

Deschamps must continue refining the collective aspect of this team.