HOUSTON, USA – France captain Kylian Mbappé scored twice in a 3-0 victory over Iraq on Monday, moving level with former Germany striker Miroslav Klose as the second-highest scorer in FIFA World Cup history.
The two goals took Mbappé’s World Cup tally to 16, leaving him just two goals behind Argentina captain Lionel Messi, who earlier in the day became the tournament’s all-time leading scorer with 18 goals after netting twice against Austria.
“If I want to keep up with what Leo is doing, I’ll have to do even more,” Mbappé said after the match.
France’s victory secured qualification for the knockout stage and reinforced their status as one of the favorites to lift the 2026 FIFA World Cup trophy.
Playing in his 100th international match, Mbappé opened the scoring in the 14th minute with a powerful left-footed strike from outside the penalty area. Following a lengthy weather delay that extended halftime by more than two hours, the French star struck again in the 54th minute after capitalizing on a defensive mistake by Iraq.
Iraq defender Zaid Tahseen’s misplaced pass was intercepted by Ousmane Dembélé, who set up Mbappé for a simple finish to double France’s lead. Dembélé later added a third goal to complete a dominant performance by Didier Deschamps’ side.
Mbappé nearly completed a hat trick late in the match but missed a clear chance before being substituted in the closing stages.
France coach Didier Deschamps praised his captain’s impact and leadership, dismissing criticism often directed at the Real Madrid forward.
“He’s here to score goals and that’s something he’s been doing,” Deschamps said. “He’s somebody that has a worldwide aura.”
“I’ve seen enough criticism on his egotistical side, but that’s not who he is. He’s the team captain and a bright example for the rest of the group.”
At just 27 years old, Mbappé has already established himself among the greatest World Cup players in history. He helped France win the tournament in 2018 and reach the final in 2022, where he claimed the Golden Boot after finishing as the competition’s top scorer.
His latest brace means he now has 59 international goals for France, surpassing Olivier Giroud as the nation’s all-time leading scorer.
France entered the 2026 World Cup as one of the tournament favorites alongside Spain, boasting an attacking trio that includes Mbappé, reigning Ballon d’Or winner Ousmane Dembélé, and rising star Désiré Doué.
With four goals already in this year’s tournament, Mbappé is once again proving why he is considered one of football’s biggest stars. While France’s primary objective remains lifting the World Cup trophy, the race to catch Messi’s newly established scoring record is adding another fascinating storyline to the competition.
