As the 2026 FIFA World Cup unfolds, Kylian Mbappé is hot on the heels of Lionel Messi, who has already etched his name in the record books. Mbappé has broken the federation's record for most international goals scored and is now within striking distance of Messi's record for most World Cup goals.
Mbappé currently has 16 World Cup goals, and his pace shows no signs of slowing down. The question on everyone's mind is: can he catch Messi before the World Cup is over?
Mbappé's 2026 World Cup Goals: 4 and Counting
In France's match against Iraq, Mbappé scored two goals, moving into a tie for the second-most goals scored by a men's player at the FIFA World Cup. His first goal came in the 14th minute, a strong left-footed shot from outside the box, marking his 15th career World Cup goal.
After a two-hour rain delay, Mbappé scored his 16th career World Cup goal, thanks to a mistake by Iraq. He went one-on-one with Iraq goalkeeper Ahmed Basil, turning the ball over in his own penalty box, and scored, moving him just two goals behind Lionel Messi for the most goals scored ever in the World Cup.
Mbappé's second goal of the day also helped him break a tie with former Brazil star Ronaldo for the third-most goals scored by a men's player in the World Cup, while he tied former Germany star Miroslav Klose.
In France's match against Senegal, Mbappé became France's all-time leading goalscorer with his second goal of the tournament and his 58th for France, surpassing Olivier Giroud's record of 57 goals.
Mbappé also eclipsed France legend Just Fontaine and moved closer to Lionel Messi and Gerd Müller for the third-most goals in World Cup history with 14.
Mbappé's Past World Cup Performances
At the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar, Mbappé had a remarkable tournament, scoring eight goals to win the Golden Boot. His tournament included a historic hat-trick in the final against Argentina, making him the first player to score three goals in a World Cup final since 1966.
In the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia, Mbappé broke onto the international scene, scoring four goals as a 19-year-old and playing a key role in France’s championship run. During that campaign, he became only the second teenager to score in a World Cup final when he found the net in France's 4-2 victory over Croatia in 2018.
