Kylian Mbappé has rewritten football history.The France captain scored twice in a dramatic 6-4 defeat of England in the third round of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, becoming the top scorer in World Cup history as he immediately topped the Golden Boot race ahead of Sunday’s final between Argentina and Spain.Although France lost in a thrilling 10-goal match in Miami, Mbappé left the pitch after dark. Lionel MessiAll-time scoring record in football’s biggest competition.His heroics took him to 22 World Cup goals, one more than Messi, who had previously topped the competition. Mbappé also tallied 10 goals at the 2026 World Cup, beating Messi to the Golden Boot after the Argentina captain finished the semifinals with eight goals.
England survived a stunning 10-wicket haul
The winning third round provided one of the most exciting matches in World Cup history.England led 4-0 at half-time through goals from Declan Rice in the third minute, Ezri Konsa in the 18th minute and a first-half goal from Bukayo Saka, who scored in the 37th minute and second in stoppage time.With Didier Deschamps preparing for the final game of 14 years as France manager, Les Bleus responded with a remarkable revival after this period.Mbappé launched his comeback with a clinical finish three minutes into the second half before Bradley Barcola reduced the deficit in the 54th minute.
France’s Kylian Mbappe (10) scores his first goal past England’s Dean Henderson (13) during the World Cup final between France and England in Miami Gardens, Fla., Saturday, July 18, 2026. (AP Photo/Marta Lavandier)
The Real Madrid striker then struck again in the 66th minute to make it 4-3, a goal that not only revived France’s hopes but also had a huge reputation as it moved him above Messi on the all-time World Cup chart.Then England began to rule again.Bukayo Saka completed his hat-trick from the spot in the 87th minute before Ousmane Dembélé stepped in in stoppage time to reduce the deficit to 5-4. Jude Bellingham then capped the stunning campaign with a fine solo goal in the 98th minute as England secured a memorable 6-4 victory and third place.
The new king of the World Cup
Mbappé’s second goal of the afternoon completed one of the most spectacular feats in football history.The 27-year-old has now scored 22 goals in 22 World Cup appearances, keeping his tally at one goal per game across the 2018, 2022 and 2026 editions.In comparison, Messi scored 21 World Cup goals in 31 games before adding another as Argentina made their run to this year’s final.Mbappé’s World Cup journey has already included the 2018 title, the 2022 final, and now another run in 2026. He won his first international title by winning the Young Player Award in Russia before scoring a hat-trick in the 2022 final against Argentina, although France lost on penalties.
Kylian Mbappé takes Lionel Messi’s World Cup goalscoring record and leads the way for the Golden Boot / Photo: AP
In the tournament, he also got Olivier Giroud to become France’s top scorer. His latest brace added another record to an already impressive CV.Mbappé is now also the player with the most non-penalty goals in World Cup history, with 19, surpassing Messi’s 17 goals.
The Golden Boot race is going in Mbappé’s favour
This goal also changed the competition’s top scorer’s race.Before kick-off, Messi led the show after providing two assists in Argentina’s final win over England, giving him eight goals and four assists compared to Mbappé’s eight goals and three assists.Saturday’s performance completely changed that picture.The changes are:
- Kylian Mbappé (France): 10 goals, 4 assists
- Lionel Messi (Argentina): 8 goals, 4 assists
- Jude Bellingham (England): 7 goals, 1 assist
- Ousmane Dembélé (France): 6 goals, 2 assists
- Harry Kane (England): 6 goals, 1 assist
Mbappé now has a two-goal advantage at the top, which puts him in a good position to claim the Golden Boot.
Messi still has one last chance
Despite Mbappé’s historic afternoon, the story is not over.Messi will lead Argentina into Sunday’s World Cup final against Spain at New York’s New Jersey Stadium, giving the 39-year-old one last chance to respond.A win would give Argentina a second consecutive World Cup title, while a couple of goals could see Messi claim the tournament’s top goalscorer and the Golden Boot.For now, all the credit belongs to Mbappé.In a tournament already full of spectacular displays, the French striker has created another milestone, becoming the first player to score 22 World Cup goals, doing so in just 22 games, and is one step closer to adding another Golden Boot to his growing collection of honours.