The France captain scored twice against Iraq, equaling Miroslav Klose’s World Cup tally of 16 Lionel Messi Now ahead of him on the all-time scoring listKylian Mbappe’s 100th game for France was already shaping up to be a memorable moment, but the game in Philadelphia was delayed by weather. The Real Madrid striker turned a landmark night into another important chapter in World Cup history as France beat Iraq 3-0.The France captain’s brace in his 16th World Cup helped Deschamps’ side qualify for the knockout rounds, taking his World Cup tally to 16, tying him with Germany legend Miroslav Klose for the second-highest tally in World Cup history. The Argentina captain took his 18th World Cup goal to his tally against Austria earlier in the day and is now ranked above him by only Messi.Mbappe’s recent goalscoring performances also continue a trend that has been evident throughout his World Cup career. At 27, he has established himself as one of the most prolific goalscorers in football history and is quickly closing in on a record that once seemed untouchable.
Historic century cap begins with another World Cup milestone
That night, Mbappe made his 100th appearance for the French national team, becoming one of the youngest players to reach this milestone in the history of the French team.His first contribution came in the 14th minute when Michael Olise found him on the left side of the attack. Mbappe accelerated towards the Iraqi defence, cut inside and fired a powerful left-footed shot past Ahmed Basil at the near post.This strike is significant.Not only did it give France the lead, it also gave Mbappe 15 goals at the World Cup, becoming the fastest player in history to reach that number. He achieved this milestone in just 16 appearances at the 2018, 2022 and 2026 World Cups.The goal also put him on a par with Brazilian icon Ronaldo Nazario, one of the greatest World Cup scorers ever.At that time, Mbappe’s World Cup record was 15 goals in just 16 games, a goalscoring rate unmatched by any player at a similar level in history.
Weather interrupted the game before Mbappe struck again
The game would later go down in history for another reason. A severe thunderstorm over Philadelphia forced FIFA to suspend play at half-time, the first time the 2026 World Cup has been interrupted by weather. Players, officials and supporters were forced to seek shelter as lightning protocols triggered delays lasting around 130 minutes.
Iraq’s Hussein Ali (bottom) challenges France’s Kylian Mbappe during the World Cup Group One soccer match between France and Iraq on Monday, June 22, 2026, in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Matt Slocum)
When play finally resumed, France immediately regained control.In the ninth minute of the second half, Ousmane Dembélé took advantage of the uncertainty in the Iraqi defense and fired a low shot across the goal. Mbappe reacted fastest inside the six-yard box and fired the ball into the bottom corner for his second goal of the night.That strike had greater historical impact than the first strike.Mbappe’s 16 goals at the World Cup equaled Miroslav Klose’s record, which remained the benchmark for modern World Cup scorers until Messi surpassed him earlier.
Only Messi remains in the lead
The battle for the top spot on the World Cup scoring charts has quickly turned into a two-man battle for the greatest living player in football.Messi tied with Klose in Argentina’s match against Austria and scored 17 goals, further extending this record to 18 goals.Mbappe’s brace against Iraq means the France captain is now just two goals behind Messi, despite playing significantly fewer World Cup games.
France’s Kylian Mbappe enters the field before the World Cup Group One football match between France and Iraq on Monday, June 22, 2026, in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Matt Slocum)
The contrast between the two records is striking. Messi has scored 18 goals in 6 World Cups and 28 tournaments, breaking the FIFA record.Mbappe has already scored 16 goals in just 16 World Cup games.With France already advancing to the knockout rounds and with a few games potentially still in progress, the possibility of Mbappe closing the gap further remains very real.
Dembélé and Olise help France advance
While Kylian Mbappe inevitably grabbed the headlines, France’s victory was built on a strong performance elsewhere in attack.Olise provided the assist for Mbappe’s first goal before releasing Dembélé in transition for France’s third.Dembélé scored his first goal in a major international tournament in the 66th minute when he broke through two defenders and fired into the far corner.
France’s Ousmane Dembele (7) congratulates teammate Kylian Mbappe (10) who scored their second goal during the World Cup Group One football match between France and Iraq on Monday, June 22, 2026 in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Petr David Josek)
The trio combined to continually stretch Iraq’s defensive structure and helped France finish the game with 19 shots on goal, five shots on goal and 56% possession.The result ensured France’s place in the last 32 and a potentially decisive match against Norway in the final group stage to determine who wins Group One.
Mbappe’s place in World Cup history now
Mbappe’s latest brace has significantly changed the World Cup’s all-time scoring list.
- Lionel Messi (Argentina) – 18 goals
- Miroslav Klose (Germany) – 16 goals
- Kylian Mbappe (France) – 16 goals
- Ronaldo Nazario (Brazil) – 15 goals
- Gerd Müller (West Germany) – 14 goals
