Wednesday 1 July 2026

Kylian Mbappe involved in bizarre Michael Oliver moment during France World Cup win over Norway

WATCH NOW: Paul Coyte discusses the weirdest World Cup moments

Jack Otway

By Jack Otway


Published: 27/06/2026

- 07:53

The forward provided two assists during Thursday night's showdown

Kylian Mbappe was involved in a bizarre moment with referee Michael Oliver as France maintained their perfect World Cup record with a commanding 4-1 victory over Norway.

The France captain once again played a leading role as Didier Deschamps' side wrapped up top spot in Group I, supplying two assists despite failing to add to his tally of four goals in North America.


But it was an incident late in the match that attracted attention from supporters.

Mbappe was withdrawn in the 87th minute with France comfortably in control and Jean-Philippe Mateta preparing to come on in his place.

Under FIFA's new substitution regulations, players have 10 seconds to leave the field once their number is shown.

If they fail to do so, the incoming player must wait an additional minute before being allowed to enter the pitch.

Rather than immediately heading towards the touchline, Mbappe walked over to Premier League official Oliver carrying his captain's armband.

The 27-year-old then handed the armband to the referee before pointing towards midfielder Aurelien Tchouameni, seemingly indicating that his Real Madrid team-mate should become France's new skipper.

Kylian Mbappe was involved in a bizarre moment with referee Michael Oliver as France maintained their perfect World Cup record with a commanding 4-1 victory over Norway

Kylian Mbappe was involved in a bizarre moment with referee Michael Oliver as France maintained their perfect World Cup record with a commanding 4-1 victory over Norway

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GETTY

Kylian Mbappe registered two assists as France thumped Norway at the World Cup

Kylian Mbappe registered two assists as France thumped Norway at the World Cup

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GETTY

Oliver accepted the armband as Mbappe made his way from the field, with Mateta subsequently entering play without delay.

The exchange quickly sparked discussion on social media.

One fan wrote: "Mbappe getting Michael Oliver to deliver the captain's armband is brilliant."

Another said: "Only Mbappe could get the referee involved in changing captains."

World Cup winners graphicEvery team to have won the World Cup | GETTY/GB NEWS

France had already done the hard work by the time Mbappe departed.

Les Bleus produced another polished display to finish the group stage with maximum points, having already defeated Senegal and Iraq earlier in the tournament.

Mbappe's influence was evident throughout the contest despite not finding the net himself, creating two goals and causing Norway problems whenever he was in possession.

France's reward is a last-32 meeting with Sweden as they continue their quest for a third World Cup title.

Oliver, meanwhile, was officiating only his second match of the competition.

France ran riot against Norway as they made it three wins from three at the World Cup

France ran riot against Norway as they made it three wins from three at the World Cup

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GETTY

The 41-year-old previously oversaw the Netherlands' 5-1 victory over Sweden and had been due to referee Ecuador's clash with Ivory Coast before FIFA confirmed he had been withdrawn because of a minor injury.

He is one of two English referees selected for the tournament alongside Anthony Taylor, while Australian Jarred Gillett is working exclusively as a VAR specialist.

For Mbappe, however, attention will now turn towards the knockout stages.

The forward has already scored four times in the United States and, on current evidence, remains central to France's hopes of going all the way once again.