Kylian Mbappé breaks records for the French team and aims for the top of the World Cup By Thiago Lemos
3 min read
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Kylian Mbappé had a truly spectacular start to the 2026 World Cup, surpassing two notable marks in the French team’s first clash. The striker was the scorer of two goals in the 3-1 victory over Senegal, last Tuesday, establishing his position as his nation’s top scorer both in World Cups and in total matches.
France’s opening game of the tournament resulted in a 3-1 triumph over Senegal, highlighting the crucial moments of the first round of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
There are just two goals left for Mbappé to engrave his name even more deeply in the history of World Cups, bringing him closer to an unprecedented feat.
With an impressive total of 14 goals in World Cups – distributed across four in 2018, eight in 2022 and two more in 2026 –, the number 10 of the French team surpassed the mark of 13 goals set by Just Fontaine in 1958. Additionally, he also left Pelé behind, who accumulated 12 goals in his World Cup appearances.
Considering all his performances for France, Mbappé now boasts 58 goals, surpassing Olivier Giroud, who had 57, and taking the lead as the greatest scorer in the team’s history. Thierry Henry, with 51 goals, ranks third on this prestigious list.
“I feel extremely happy to be able to contribute a little more to the history of my country. It is a goal that I have always pursued. However, we are very aware of our real purpose here. I will have time to reflect on these achievements later, only after I end my career as a professional player”, declared the star.
At 27 years old, the striker, now at Real Madrid, has his sights set on one of his grandest goals: the historic top scorer in the World Cup. While names like Lionel Messi and Miroslav Klose took several editions of the tournament to reach the 16-goal mark, Mbappé’s impressive proximity, in his third participation, already points to a trajectory of unparalleled speed and impact on the global football scene.
Follow an exclusive record of Kylian Mbappé’s journey during France’s debut day at the World Cup.
Currently, the notable French player is looking to catch up to Messi and Miroslav Klose, both with 16 goals. The Argentine striker equaled this feat after converting three times in the 3-0 victory over Algeria, also on Tuesday, reaching the same number as the German athlete, who played in four World Cups (2002, 2006, 2010 and 2014).
“My primary objective is to help the team, continuing to write another chapter in the history of the French team, always alongside my teammates. We know the journey is long, but we are fully prepared for whatever lies ahead”, added Mbappé.
In his analysis of France’s triumph, Mbappé highlighted the intensity of the tournament, stating that “in a World Cup, we are never calm”.
France has its next challenge against Iraq on Monday, in the second round of Group I of the World Cup. This match will be of great significance for Mbappé, who will celebrate his 100th game wearing the national team shirt.
“Being the greatest scorer in the history of the French national team, and being so close to being the greatest scorer in the World Cup… what he is doing is truly unbelievable. I’m sure he won’t stop there. We count on that a lot! We know what an exceptional player he is and how fundamental he is for us”, celebrated Saliba.
