Mbappé Surpasses Klose, Eyes Messi’s World Cup Goal Record
Kylian Mbappé has solidified his status as a World Cup legend. With a clinical two-goal performance against Sweden on Tuesday, the French superstar moved into sole possession of second place on the tournament’s all-time scoring list, surpassing German icon Miroslav Klose.
The 3-0 victory in East Rutherford, New Jersey, propelled France into the quarter-finals and brought Mbappé’s career World Cup tally to a staggering 18 goals in just 18 matches. He now sits only one goal behind the all-time leader, Lionel Messi, who currently holds the record with 19 goals.
The Race for History: Mbappé vs. Messi
The 2026 World Cup has become a high-stakes duel between the two icons. Both Mbappé and Messi have netted six goals in the current tournament. While Mbappé has reached the 18-goal mark in three tournaments, the 39-year-old Messi is competing in his record sixth World Cup and has played 29 matches to reach his total of 19.
Messi will have an immediate chance to respond to Mbappé’s surge. Argentina is set to face tournament debutants Cape Verde on Friday in Miami Gardens. With both players in peak form, the record for most goals in World Cup history could change hands multiple times before the final whistle in July.
France Dominates Sweden to Advance
“Les Bleus” showed why they remain favorites to reclaim the trophy they last won in 2018. Mbappé opened the scoring in the 45th minute and added a second in the 74th. Bradley Barcola contributed to the rout with a goal in the 53rd minute, ensuring a comfortable night for the French side.
France now prepares for a quarter-final clash on Saturday against Paraguay. The South American side advanced after a dramatic penalty shootout victory over Germany, following a 1-1 draw through 120 minutes.
All-Time World Cup Top Scorers
The elite list of the most prolific scorers in football history has a new hierarchy:
- 1. Lionel Messi (Argentina): 19 goals
- 2. Kylian Mbappé (France): 18 goals
- 3. Miroslav Klose (Germany): 16 goals
- 4. Ronaldo Nazário (Brazil): 15 goals
- 5. Gerd Müller (West Germany): 14 goals
With at least one more match guaranteed for France, and Messi still active in the tournament, the battle for the top spot is far from over.
Image: Pexels – Walter Medina Foto
