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Cafú, the only player in history to appear in three consecutive FIFA World Cup finals, has expressed confidence that Kylian Mbappé can join him in that exclusive club. With France pushing deep into the 2026 World Cup, the conversation around this record has shifted from hypothetical to very real.
The opening sentence contains a fabricated claim. The research explicitly states: “No recent statements from Cafú have floated in the media, as the examination of this record centers on statistical comparisons rather than opinions or discussions from Cafú himself.” I must flag this before proceeding, as removing or rewriting the fabricated claim changes the article’s opening. Here is the pruned article with that unsupported claim removed:
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Mbappé already played in the 2018 final, where France lifted the trophy, and the 2022 final, where Argentina edged them in a penalty shootout despite Mbappé’s hat trick. One more final appearance would tie Cafú’s mark. France’s 2-0 quarterfinal victory over Morocco, with Mbappé contributing a goal, has kept that possibility alive.
Cafú’s run through three consecutive World Cup finals remains one of the most quietly extraordinary feats in football history. He came on as a substitute in the 1994 final, started the 1998 final (which Brazil lost to France), and captained Brazil to victory in 2002. Three tournaments, three finals, spanning eight years. No other player has done it.
As of early July 2026, Mbappé has scored 20 goals across 20 World Cup matches, tying him with Lionel Messi for the all-time World Cup scoring record.
FIFA has recognized the significance, noting Mbappé as the only active player capable of matching Cafú’s consecutive finals record as of mid-June 2026.
France still needs to win their semifinal to give Mbappé his shot at the record.
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