FIFA World Cup 2026: Mbappe draws level with Klose as World Cup's joint second-highest goalscorer
Philadelphia, June 23
France captain Kylian Mbappe joined German legend Miroslav Klose as the joint second-highest goalscorer in FIFA World Cup history after scoring twice during France's Group-stage clash against Iraq on Monday, June 22.
The 27-year-old forward took his overall World Cup tally to 16 goals, drawing level with Klose and moving within two goals of Lionel Messi's all-time record of 18 goals.
Mbappe first scored in the 14th minute to give France the lead against Iraq and reach 15 World Cup goals on his 100th international appearance. The move came down the right side, where he combined with Michael Olise. After the initial pass was blocked, Olise regained the ball and set up Mbappe at the edge of the box. Mbappe then hit a powerful left-footed shot, and although goalkeeper Ahmed Basil got a touch to it, he could not prevent the goal.
Mbappe's second goal came in the 54th minute after a costly mistake by the Iraqi defence and goalkeeper Ahmed Basil. The error came when defender Rebin Sulaka played a short pass back towards Basil following a goal kick. The goalkeeper failed to control the ball properly under pressure from Ousmane Dembele, allowing France to win possession in a dangerous area. Dembele then squared the ball to Mbappe, who made no mistake and tapped into an empty net to double France's lead.
The goal took Mbappe's World Cup tally to 16, drawing him level with Miroslav Klose and leaving him just two goals behind Lionel Messi's all-time record of 18.
Earlier in the day, Messi had also created history by surpassing Klose's long-standing tally of 16 World Cup goals. The Argentina captain scored a brace in his side's 2-0 victory over Austria to take his overall World Cup tally to 18 goals and become the leading goalscorer in men's FIFA World Cup history.
Messi had equalled Klose's record during Argentina's tournament opener against Algeria before moving clear with his latest brace.
Following Monday's matches, Messi leads the all-time World Cup scoring charts with 18 goals, while Mbappe and Klose occupy joint second place with 16 goals each. Brazil legend Ronaldo is next on the list with 15 goals, followed by Germany's Gerd Muller with 14 and France's Just Fontaine with 13.
According to the FIFA website, Mbappe also became only the tenth French player to reach the milestone of 100 international appearances for the national team.
Mbappe made his senior debut for France on March 25, 2017, in a 3-1 victory over Luxembourg during the qualifying campaign for the 2018 FIFA World Cup.
— ANI
Reader Comments
Mbappe's rise is phenomenal, but let's not forget Klose's consistency over four World Cups. That said, the young Frenchman has the pace and skill to surpass Messi's 18. Only if he stays fit and focused. Quite exciting for the neutral fan though!
Incredible achievement for Mbappe to reach 16 goals at such a young age. But honestly, Messi's 18 goals across five tournaments is just unreal. The way he controlled the game against Austria was vintage. Both are absolute legends.
I still remember watching Klose break Ronaldo's record in 2014. Now Mbappe is level with him. The evolution of football is so beautiful. Also, respect to Iraq - they tried hard but France's class showed. Wish we could see India in such a tournament someday.
Mbappe is on a different level. Tapping into an empty net might look easy, but his movement off the ball and positioning are world-class. That said, I feel the World Cup record race is becoming all about Messi vs Mbappe. Let's see who finishes on top.
Love how Mbappe combines with Olise and Dembele - that French attack is pure fire. But a little disappointed that the article focuses mostly on records. What about Iraq's spirit? They were unlucky with that defensive error. Still, congratulations to Mbappe on his 100th cap and 16 goals! 🏆
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