Mbappé plays – Kylian Mbappé celebrated his first 2026 World Cup goal against Senegal on Tuesday, June 16, by playing the flute—fulfilling a promise he made in a Carpool Karaoke segment with James Corden. The strike also brought him level with Olivier Giroud’s all-time Franc
When Kylian Mbappé scored for France against Senegal on Tuesday, June 16, he didn’t go with his usual arms-fold routine. Instead, the Real Madrid forward played the flute—an unusual celebration with a long setup behind it.
The moment came after Mbappé’s first 2026 World Cup goal, carrying through on a promise he made to James Corden. In a Carpool Karaoke segment for Fox Sports, Mbappé said he played the flute as a kid. The host then suggested Mbappé should perform a flute celebration if he scored at the World Cup, and Mbappé agreed.
“The first match against Senegal, if I score, I will do it, for you,” Mbappé said of the celebration.
In the World Cup spotlight, promises can be easy to forget. This one wasn’t. The goal also had major scoreboard weight: Mbappé’s strike moved him level with Olivier Giroud’s all-time France scoring mark, tying Giroud’s 57th international goal.
That combination—playful theatrics paired with a milestone—lands at a crucial point in the build to the 2026 tournament. France are entering next year’s World Cup among the favorites. and Mbappé is expected to be central to their hopes in North America. with the player set to pass 100 international appearances at age 27.
Before the 2026 World Cup, the 27-year-old had scored 56 goals in 96 international matches, according to the tournament profile. The flute moment came in his first game of that cycle against Senegal at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J., on June 16.
France’s next schedule continues quickly: June 22 against Iraq at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia, followed by June 26 against Norway at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, Mass.
For fans looking to follow all matches, streaming is available on Fubo or the Fox One App. Spanish language broadcasts are available on Telemundo and Peacock.
The 2026 World Cup is set to be the largest ever, with 48 teams competing for the trophy. France’s early win over Senegal—and Mbappé’s promise kept in front of it—adds a specific kind of momentum heading into the rest of the group stage run.
Kylian Mbappé flute celebration France vs Senegal 2026 World Cup James Corden Carpool Karaoke Real Madrid Olivier Giroud MetLife Stadium East Rutherford NJ World Cup schedule
Flute?? That’s actually hilarious lol. He really loves James Corden for real.
So he promised to play a flute but couldn’t be bothered to just do the usual celebration? I mean I get it, but Senegal game was still the real thing.
Wait I thought Mbappé plays for PSG now? Or is this the one where he’s in Real Madrid AND also on some other team? Anyway the Giroud record part is what matters. Flute feels like distraction but whatever, it’s cute.
I’m sorry but Carpool Karaoke promises don’t belong in a World Cup. Like why is he doing that on the biggest stage instead of something more serious? Also it says he’s leveling Giroud with 57th goal but idk how they count all the goals, FIFA math is confusing. Still, France winning is nice I guess. When’s the next match again—June 22 vs Iraq? That’s a weird opponent to pick right after Senegal.