Mbappe Equals Klose, Eyes Messi's World Cup Record

Kylian Mbappe equalled Miroslav Klose's World Cup tally of 16 goals to be only two behind Lionel Messi in the all-time scoring charts.

Hours after Messi broke former Germany striker Klose’s record with two goals in Argentina's 2-0 win over Austria, France captain Mbappe scored a brave of hisbown in France’s 3-0 win over Iraq in Philadelphia in a Group F clash.

The 27-year-old now has four goals in the 2026 tournament, only one behind Messi, and it came on his landmark 100th international appearance for France.

France coach Didier Deschamps said Mbappe will eventually surpass Messi.

"Kylian always has the ability to score. He has that instinct and that hunger. Even if he may not play as long as Messi or Cristiano Ronaldo, he can still break these records," Deschamps said after the match.

The match itself was unusual, with severe weather causing a lengthy interruption before France eventually completed a comfortable victory.

Mbappe became France's top scorer on World Cups overtaking Just Fontaine with a brace in their 3-1 win over Senegal.

All-time scorers list

1. Lionel Messi (Argentina) – 18 goals

2. Kylian Mbappe (France) – 16 goals

3. Miroslav Klose (Germany) – 16 goals

4. Ronaldo Nazário (Brazil) – 15 goals

5. Gerd Muller (Germany) – 14 goals
6.