France’s all-time top scorer is expected to make his 100th cap against Iraq, with Kylian Mbappe closing in on some of the highest goalscoring records in World Cup historyFrance go into their second match of Group I of the 2026 FIFA World Cup knowing that victory over Iraq will ensure progression to the last 32. However, for Kylian Mbappe the moment also holds extra significance as he prepares to achieve one of the most important milestones of his international career.The France captain will make his 100th appearance for France when Deschamps’ side take on Iraq at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia. The milestone was achieved less than a week after Mbappe became France’s all-time top scorer, adding another remarkable achievement to his international career.While the official starting line-up was not announced until about an hour before kick-off, there are currently no fitness concerns for Real’s forwards, and both the players and the France camp have openly discussed the milestone in the build-up to the game. Mbappe himself spoke during France’s pre-match media session and there is no doubt he will be present at the game.“I’m always very happy to have the opportunity to play for the national team. Nothing is more important than the national team. 100 games is a milestone and special for me, but the importance of the games comes first. We have to win to advance.”France started the campaign with a 3-1 win over Senegal, a game in which Kylian Mbappe scored twice, to reach this milestone with distinction in Group One. However, France are tied on three points with Norway, who beat Iraq 4-1 at this World Cup and currently have a three-goal advantage.
France hopes to build on strong start against Iraq
France began their World Cup campaign with a dramatic 3-1 win over Senegal in New Jersey, overcoming a difficult opening test and keeping their promotion hopes in hand.Mbappe’s brace proved decisive, taking him past Olivier Giroud to become France’s all-time top scorer in men’s international football. These two goals brought him to 58 goals for the French team, surpassing Giroud’s previous record of 57 goals and setting a new benchmark for future generations.The result also puts France in a strong position against Iraq, who suffered a 4-1 defeat to Norway in their opening match.Deschamps has repeatedly emphasized that promotion is still the short-term goal.“The first goal is to secure victory and promotion,” the French coach said. “We’ll think about the final standings before the third game; just take one thing at a time.”Mbappe echoed this sentiment when discussing the challenges posed by Iraq.“There is still a long way to go, we have only won one game. Tomorrow will be difficult, but we are on the right path. We cannot look too far ahead and we need to face every game calmly.”A win would ensure France would advance to the knockout rounds with one game remaining in the group stage.
The significance of the 100th appearance for France
If Mbappe plays as scheduled, he will become the 10th French player to play 100 games for the national team.This achievement is particularly remarkable given his age. Mbappe, who is only 27 years old, made his debut for the French team in 2017 as an 18-year-old. In less than ten years, he has played 99 times for the national team and scored 58 goals.Reaching 100 caps for his country would place him among the most important figures in French football history, and the 27-year-old is still expected to add significantly to that total.
France’s Kylian Mbappe (10) celebrates after scoring the third goal during the World Cup Group One soccer match between France and Senegal in East Rutherford, New Jersey, near New York, Tuesday, June 16, 2026. (AP Photo/Steve Luciano)
This milestone may also prove to be just another step towards an even bigger appearance record.Current France head coach Didier Deschamps has made 103 appearances for the national team during his career. If France does well in this World Cup, Mbappe may surpass that number before the end of the tournament.Looking ahead, goalkeeper Hugo Lloris remains France’s all-time most capped player with 145 appearances, a goal that will get closer if Mbappe stays healthy and continues on his current trajectory.
World Cup history is quickly coming into view
While the landmark appearance will grab the headlines before kick-off, Mbappe also came within a whisker of a number of all-time World Cup records.He scored twice against Senegal, taking his World Cup tally to 14.This goal total puts him level with Germany legend Gerd Muller and just a few goals shy of the most prolific scorer in World Cup history.The current list of all-time World Cup points scores is very crowded:
- Lionel Messi – 16 goals
- Miroslav Klose – 16 goals
- Ronaldo Nazario – 15 goals
- Kylian Mbappe – 14 goals
The math is simple.A goal against Iraq would take Mbappe’s tally to 15, level with Ronaldo Nazario.With two goals, his goal tally reached 16, tied with Messi and Miroslav Klose for the top spot on the World Cup’s all-time scoring list.The hat-trick brought his tally to 17 goals and made him the top scorer in World Cup history.Considering that Mbappe is still only 27 years old and may have a few World Cup games left in this tournament alone, the prospect of him eventually owning that record outright seems increasingly realistic.
A tournament record already belongs to him
Regardless of the result against Iraq, Mbappe already has a World Cup record that is unmatched by any player in history.The France captain holds the record for most goals in a World Cup final.He scored in France’s 4-2 win over Croatia in the 2018 final and then scored a hat-trick in the 2022 final against Argentina, delivering one of the most memorable individual performances in World Cup history despite France ultimately losing on penalties.
France’s Kylian Mbappe celebrates after scoring his team’s first goal during the World Cup Group One football match between France and Senegal in East Rutherford, New Jersey, near New York, Tuesday, June 16, 2026. (AP Photo/Frank Franklin II)
These four goals in two World Cup finals are still unmatched by any player.His overall performance at the World Cup was equally impressive. Mbappe scored 4 goals during France’s championship win in 2018 and then scored 8 goals at the 2022 Qatar World Cup, eventually becoming the World Cup Golden Boot winner. Two goals against Senegal brought the total to 14 goals.
France and Iraq meet for the first time
As well as Mbappe’s personal milestone, Monday’s game will also mark a historic moment for both countries.France and Iraq have never met in an official international match before.According to French football records, this will be the fourth time this century that the French team will face a completely new opponent in the World Cup.The previous example produced complex memories. France lost to Senegal 0-1 in 2002, defeated Togo 2-0 in 2006, and defeated Honduras 3-0 in 2014.Deschamps hopes this latest first-ever clash can produce another positive result and remove any qualification uncertainty ahead of the final group stage match.For Mbappe, meanwhile, the night provided an opportunity to celebrate a century of international appearances while also getting closer to some of the most prestigious records in football history.
