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Published Jun 16, 2026Updated Jun 171
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Mbappe Moves Into Elite Company, Closing Gap on Klose's World Cup Record
Kylian Mbappe scored twice in France's 2026 World Cup opener against Senegal, reaching 14 World Cup goals and moving into third place on the all-time list. At 27 years old, Mbappe also became France's all-time leading international goalscorer with 58 goals, surpassing Olivier Giroud.
Quick Facts
- Mbappe scored two goals in France's 2026 World Cup opener
- Mbappe moved into third place on all-time World Cup goalscorers list
- Mbappe became France's all-time leading international goalscorer
- Mbappe surpassed Olivier Giroud's French goal record
- 2026 World Cup is underway with active competition
The 2026 World Cup is well underway, and Kylian Mbappe has solidified his place among football's greatest tournament goalscorers. The French forward currently sits tied for third place on the all-time World Cup goals list with 14 goals across three tournaments (2018, 2022, and 2026), matching the tally of West Germany's Gerd Muller. Mbappe stands just two goals behind Miroslav Klose, who holds the all-time record with 16 goals.
During France's 2026 World Cup opener against Senegal, Mbappe demonstrated his prolific form by scoring twice in the match. His first goal brought him level with 13 World Cup goals, while his second strike moved him to 14 and also marked a milestone in his international career. With that second goal, the 27-year-old surpassed Olivier Giroud to become France's all-time leading international goalscorer with 58 goals across 99 appearances.
Lionel Messi, the other active player among the top World Cup scorers, currently holds 13 goals across five World Cup tournaments (2006, 2010, 2014, 2018, and 2022), placing him tied for fifth overall. With both players still active in the 2026 tournament, there remains potential for further movement up the all-time rankings. Mbappe's trajectory suggests he could continue closing the gap on Klose's record as the tournament progresses, while Messi remains a formidable competitor in the goalscoring race.
Why This Matters
Mbappe's achievement represents a watershed moment in modern football history. His rapid ascent up the all-time World Cup scoring list—just two goals behind Klose—demonstrates elite performance at the highest competitive level and signals potential for historic record-breaking. For France, his status as the nation's all-time leading international goalscorer reinforces their attacking capability heading deeper into the tournament, with tangible implications for tournament odds and national pride.
Timeline & Sources
Jan 1, 1958
WireJust Fontaine participated in World Cup, scored 13 goals
Jan 1, 2026
Wire2026 World Cup begins
Jun 16, 2026
WireFrance plays Senegal in 2026 World Cup opener; Mbappe scores twice to reach 14 World Cup goals
Jun 16, 2026
WireMbappe becomes France's all-time leading international goalscorer with 58 goals