World Cup wonder goals: Mbappe’s world-wowing volley
We count down to the FIFA World Cup 2026™ by showing a wonder goal each day. Today’s shows Kylian Mbappe’s vicious volley for France in the Qatar 2022 final.
We’re counting down to the FIFA World Cup 2026™ by showcasing a golazo from the global finals each day.
Argentina v France Qatar 2022 | Final Lusail Stadium, Al Daayen
The fixture had seemingly been settled. Lionel Messi and Argentina were 2-0 up. They were controlling possession. France, with little over 10 minutes on the clock, hadn’t even registered a shot on target. Then, suddenly, Randal Kolo Muani won a penalty and Mbappe converted it to give Dider Deschamps’ men a glimmer of hope. The electric No10 raced to grab the ball before goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez could get to it, hurried back, and placed it on the centre spot.
When La Albiceleste restarted play, Les Bleus had just over 11 minutes to get the game to extra time. They required only 68 seconds. Kingsley Coman dispossessed Messi and fed Rabiot, who played it into Mbappe. The 23-year-old played an imaginative one-two with Marcus Thuram and viciously volleyed the ball home to wow the 1.5 billion people watching. “When it comes to him, I think, ‘Don’t volley it from there, take a touch or two,” said awestruck commentator Alan Smith, laughing. Mbappe’s strike travelled into Emiliano Martinez’s net at 123.34 km/h, making it the hardest-struck goal of the tournament. Although it ultimately proved insufficient to seize France a third star – Argentina won on penalties – it sits in the sacred sanctuary of World Cup final wonder goals.