Kylian Mbappé has been one of the leading performers at the 2026 World Cup, scoring 8 goals and helping France reach the semifinals. His run brought him to 20 career World Cup goals, just 1 behind Lionel Messi’s record of 21.
Mbappé’s tournament ended in disappointment when France lost 2-0 to Spain in the semifinal on July 14. He was held scoreless in the defeat but remains level with Messi in the 2026 Golden Boot race ahead of France’s third-place match.
Mbappe’s dominant tournament form
Kylian Mbappe has looked like a player at a completely different level compared to almost everyone else across the tournament this summer. His movement off the ball creates constant problems for defenders who are struggling hard to track his sudden runs into open space. Even when teams set up specifically to stop him, he still manages to find dangerous pockets of room to operate in.
Against Morocco, a talented squad many expected could cause a real upset, Mbappe delivered another controlled and polished attacking performance from start to finish. He combined explosive pace with calm, patient decision-making that rarely broke down, even under heavy, sustained defensive pressure. That mix of raw speed and composure has quickly become the clear hallmark of his overall game this summer.
A story of redemption
Mbappé scored a hat trick in the 2022 World Cup final, but France lost to Argentina in a penalty shootout. He later said he had never rewatched the match because doing so could revive painful memories of the defeat.
His 2026 campaign brought him close to another major milestone. After scoring against Morocco, Mbappé reached 20 career World Cup goals, leaving him 1 behind Messi’s record. France’s 2-0 semifinal loss to Spain, however, ended his opportunity to win the 2026 title.
The Morocco statement
France defeated Morocco 2-0 in the World Cup quarterfinal to reach its third consecutive semifinal. Mbappé played a central role, winning a penalty in the 28th minute and later scoring France’s opening goal in the second half.
Morocco goalkeeper Yassine Bounou saved Mbappé’s low penalty after a lengthy review delayed the kick. Mbappé recovered from the miss and scored in the 60th minute before Ousmane Dembélé added France’s second goal.
Chasing the World Cup scoring record
Mbappé has scored 20 career World Cup goals, placing him 1 behind Messi’s record of 21. He had an opportunity to draw level against Morocco but missed a first-half penalty before scoring later in France’s 2-0 victory.
Mbappé is already France’s leading scorer in World Cup history. He surpassed Just Fontaine’s French record of 13 career World Cup goals during the 2026 tournament. Fontaine scored all 13 of his goals at the 1958 World Cup, a record for a single tournament.
Fun fact: Mbappe surpassed Just Fontaine’s French record of 13 goals, all set at the 1958 World Cup.
Respect is built through competition
Mbappé has repeatedly spoken respectfully about Messi, his former teammate at Paris Saint-Germain. He has described Messi as one of the greatest players in soccer history and defended him against criticism over the treatment he received during his time in Paris.
Their World Cup scoring competition adds another dimension to their shared history. Mbappé finished the semifinal stage with 20 career World Cup goals, 1 behind Messi, but there is no indication that the 2 players view the record chase as a personal feud.
Frustration with the delayed review
A lengthy review delayed Mbappé’s first-half penalty against Morocco. Yassine Bounou subsequently saved the low attempt, Mbappé’s first missed penalty for France since UEFA Euro 2020.
Mbappé recovered to score France’s opening goal in the 60th minute as his team won 2-0. There is no verified evidence that the delay was intentionally designed to disrupt him or that the officiating process was manipulated against France.
The shadow of the 2022 final
The 2022 World Cup final ended 3-3 after extra time, with Argentina defeating France 4-2 in the penalty shootout. Mbappé scored a hat trick for France and converted his attempt in the shootout, while Messi scored twice before lifting his first World Cup trophy.
Mbappé later said he had not rewatched the final because it could revive painful memories. Messi praised Mbappé’s performance, noting how remarkable it was to score 3 times in a final and still finish on the losing side.
Little-known fact: After the Morocco quarterfinal, Mbappe revealed he had a minor ankle injury but said he felt fine.
TL;DR
- Mbappe has dominated for France throughout the 2026 World Cup tournament.
- He is closing in on Messi’s all-time World Cup scoring record.
- The Morocco match highlighted his composure under controversial officiating decisions.
- Mbappe still openly admires Messi despite their fierce ongoing rivalry.
- The 2022 final defeat continues to fuel his drive this summer.
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This article was made with AI assistance and human editing.
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