Kylian Mbappe was left furious after missing a penalty in France's World Cup quarter-final clash against Morocco on July 9, 2026. The French superstar immediately confronted the referee during the first hydration break, frustrated by a lengthy delay before his spot-kick.
Lengthy VAR Check Sparks Frustration
Mbappe won the penalty after being fouled by Manchester United's Noussair Mazraoui. Despite what appeared to be a clear foul, a VAR check lasting three minutes and 10 seconds forced Mbappe to wait. Ousmane Dembele guarded the penalty spot, but the delay continued, forcing Mbappe to step back multiple times.
Tame Effort Easily Saved
When Mbappe finally took the penalty, he produced a weak shot that was comfortably saved by Morocco goalkeeper Yassine Bounou. The tame effort lacked power and direction, allowing Bounou to make an easy stop.
McCoist Criticizes Mbappe's Approach
ITV commentator Ally McCoist was unimpressed with Mbappe's reaction and his penalty technique. "You might be far from happy but don't do this, run up with a stutter and then hit it softly right to the keeper," McCoist said. "Run up with a bit of purpose." He later added, "There's no power in it, no aggression, no belief, which is incredible for a man of that talent."
Impact on the Match
The missed penalty could prove costly for France as they seek to defend their World Cup title. The incident also highlights the ongoing debate around VAR delays and their impact on players' concentration.
