Kylian Mbappe passes Lionel Messi for career World Cup scoring record with 22 goals
Kylian Mbappé surpassed Lionel Messi to become the all-time leading goalscorer in World Cup history, reaching 22 career goals during the 2026 third-place match. Despite his record-breaking performance, France fell to England in a high-scoring 6-4 defeat.
Why it matters
Mbappé's achievement marks a significant shift in football history, establishing him as the most prolific scorer in the tournament's most prestigious competition.
Kylian Mbappe moved past Lionel Messi for the career World Cup scoring record on Saturday (July 18, 2026), scoring twice for France in the third-place match against England to reach 22 goals.
Mbappe has 10 goals in this World Cup, two more than Messi in the race for the Golden Boot, which is awarded to the tournament's top scorer.
France trailed England 4-0 when Mbappe flicked a shot past goalkeeper Dean Henderson in the 48th minute. Then he beat Henderson again with a left-footed strike from about 14 yards in the 66th minute to pass Messi's career mark of 21 goals.
France pulled within 4-3 on Mbappe's second goal. Les Bleus missed out on a chance at playing in their third straight World Cup final when they lost to Spain in the semifinals.
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