France captain scored twice against Iraq to join Miroslav Klose on 16 World Cup goals Lionel Messi now ahead of him in the all-time scoringKylian Mbappe’s 100th appearance for France was already set to be a memorable one before weather delays disrupted the proceedings in Philadelphia. As France wrapped up a 3-0 victory over Iraq, the Real Madrid forward had turned a crucial night into another important title in World Cup history.The France captain scored twice as Didier Deschamps’ side cruised to victory in his 16th World Cup appearance, taking him to 16 World Cup goals and surpassing German legend Miroslav Klose for the second most in the game’s history. Only Lionel Messi stands above him after the Argentina captain hit 18 World Cup goals earlier in the day against Austria.Mbappe’s latest performance continued the incredible run that has accompanied his entire World Cup career. At the age of 27, he has already established himself as one of the greatest goalscorers the competition has ever seen and is quickly closing in on records that seemed untouchable.
The history of the century begins with another World Cup event
The evening began with Mbappe making his 100th appearance for France, becoming one of the youngest players to reach the top for Les Bleus.His first contribution came in the 14th minute when Michael Olise found him on the left side of the attack. Mbappe raced through the Iraqi defence, cut inside and fired a powerful left-footed shot past Ahmed Basil at the near post.The strike had great significance.Not only did it give France the lead, it moved Mbappe to 15 World Cup goals and made him the fastest player in history to reach the trophy. He achieved a record 16 World Cup appearances in 2018, 2022 and 2026.The goal also drew him close to Brazilian icon Ronaldo Nazario, one of the greatest goalscorers the game has ever produced.Meanwhile, Mbappe’s World Cup record stood at 15 goals in just 16 games, a tally unmatched by any player who has reached the same milestone on the all-time list.
The weather delay interferes with playing before Mbappe strikes again
The match entered the history books for a reason. Severe thunderstorms in Philadelphia forced FIFA to suspend the game at halftime, creating the first interruption of the 2026 World Cup due to weather. Players, officials and supporters were forced to seek shelter as lightning protocols caused a delay of about 130 minutes.
Iraq’s Hussein Ali, bottom, challenges France’s Kylian Mbappe during the World Cup Group I soccer match between France and Iraq in Philadelphia, Monday, June 22, 2026. (AP Photo/Matt Slocum)
When the game resumed, France immediately re-established control.Nine minutes into the second half, Ousmane Dembele capitalized on uncertainty in the Iraqi defense and delivered a low ball into the goal. Mbappe made a swift move inside six yards, heading home his second corner of the evening.That strike had a much longer history than the first.With 16 World Cup goals, Mbappe joined Miroslav Klose, whose record stood as the current World Cup goalscorer until Lionel Messi surpassed him in the past.
Only Messi is left
The race for the World Cup goalscorer has quickly turned into a duo that includes the fastest players in football.Messi came on for Argentina’s match against Austria before Klose scored 17 goals to take his tally to 18.Mbappe’s strike against Iraq means the French captain is now just two goals behind Messi despite playing fewer World Cup games.
France’s Kylian Mbappe takes the field before the World Cup Group I soccer match between France and Iraq in Philadelphia, Monday, June 22, 2026. (AP Photo/Matt Slocum)
The contrast between the two records is striking. Messi’s 18 goals have earned him a FIFA record in six World Cups and 28 games.Mbappe has already scored 16 goals in just 16 World Cup appearances.With France already qualified for the knockout stage and a number of matches still to come, the chance for Mbappe to close the gap remains very real.
Dembele and Olise help France qualify
While Mbappe dominated the headlines, France’s victory hinged on strong performances elsewhere in attack.Olise assisted Mbappe’s opener before setting up Dembele to convert France’s third goal.Dembele scored his first goal in a major international competition by driving past two defenders and finishing powerfully into the far corner in the 66th minute.
France’s Ousmane Dembele (7) congratulates teammate Kylian Mbappe (10) after scoring their second goal during the World Cup Group I soccer match between France and Iraq in Philadelphia, Monday, June 22, 2026. (AP Photo/Petr David Josek)
Together, the three stretched the Iraqi defense repeatedly and helped France finish with 19 shots, five attempts on target and a possession of 56 percent.The result left France in 32nd place and set up a final group meeting with Norway to determine who tops Group I.
Where Mbappe now represents World Cup history
Mbappe’s latest campaign has changed the World Cup’s top scorers list.
- Lionel Messi (Argentina) – 18 goals
- Miroslav Klose (Germany) – 16 goals
- Kylian Mbappe (France) – 16 goals
- Ronaldo Nazario (Brazil) – 15 goals
- Gerd Muller (West Germany) – 14 goals
