Kylian Mbappe has pledged to mime playing a flute if he scores in France’s opening match of the 2026 World Cup against Senegal. The 27-year-old striker made the promise during a light-hearted interview with British comedian James Corden, filmed in Corden’s car. During the conversation, Corden, a known West Ham supporter, asked Mbappe about his childhood experience with the flute and presented him with the instrument.

France’s first match of the tournament is scheduled for Tuesday at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, where they will face Senegal, one of the African Cup of Nations (Afcon) qualifiers. Mbappe, who currently plays for Real Madrid, responded affirmatively when Corden suggested a flute-themed goal celebration, saying, “First game, against Senegal, if I score? Yeah, I’ll do it for you.”

Mbappe comes into the tournament with a strong pedigree, having been part of the France squad that won the 2018 World Cup. He also scored a hat-trick in the 2022 final, although France ultimately lost to Argentina in a penalty shootout. The forward is widely regarded as one of the top talents in world football and will be hoping to make a decisive impact against the Senegalese side led by several key players.

The match will mark the beginning of France’s quest to defend their World Cup title on U.S. soil, with high expectations placed on Mbappe’s performance. The striker’s promise to perform a distinctive celebration adds a cultural footnote to the upcoming fixture, intertwining his personal interests with the global stage of international football.