Jakarta, ThedailyID — Kylian Mbappé moved within one goal of Lionel Messi’s all-time FIFA World Cup scoring record after another brilliant performance for France at the 2026 tournament.
Mbappé scored twice as France defeated Sweden 3-0 in the Round of 32. The brace lifted his World Cup tally to 18 goals, placing him just one behind Messi’s record of 19 goals.
The French captain has reached that mark in only 18 World Cup matches across the 2018, 2022, and 2026 tournaments. By comparison, Messi scored his 19 goals over 29 matches spanning six World Cup editions from 2006 to 2026.
Mbappé’s remarkable strike rate has fueled growing expectations that he could soon become the tournament’s all-time leading scorer. France also remains in contention for the title, giving the Real Madrid forward more opportunities to break the record.
Messi still leads the all-time list with 19 goals. However, his total could increase because Argentina has yet to play its Round of 16 match against Cape Verde.
Before the 2026 tournament, former Germany striker Miroslav Klose held the World Cup scoring record with 16 goals. Both Messi and Mbappé have now surpassed that milestone.
Bradley Barcola scored France’s other goal against Sweden, while Mbappé’s brace also moved him level with Messi in the race for the 2026 World Cup Golden Boot with six goals each.
All-Time FIFA World Cup Top Scorers
- Lionel Messi (Argentina) — 19 goals
- Kylian Mbappé (France) — 18 goals
- Miroslav Klose (Germany) — 16 goals
- Ronaldo (Brazil) — 15 goals
- Gerd Müller (Germany) — 14 goals
- Just Fontaine (France) — 13 goals
