How many World Cup goals could France's Kylian Mbappe score in his career after netting 16 in 16 games?
By Ben Morse
Published 23/06/2026 at 11:28 GMT+1
React to this story
Real Madrid forward Kylian Mbappe is off to a flying start at the 2026 World Cup, having already got four goals to his name as Didier Deschamps' France have made an unbeaten start to their tournament with two wins from two games.
‘Don’t ask us’ - Mbappe says player views on hydration breaks are reactionary
Video credit: SNTV
Two goals in the opening fixture against Senegal were followed up by another brace in France's 3-0 victory over Iraq on Monday, one either side of a weather-affected half-time break.
Mbappe is just the fourth player ever to score two or more goals in at least three successive World Cup appearances, along with Sandor Kocsis in 1954, Guillermo Stabile in 1930 and Lionel Messi in 2026, according to Opta.
Mbappe's fast start to the tournament in North America takes his total tally at World Cups to 16.
The 27-year-old is now level with the previous all-time record for goals in the tournament's history set by Miroslav Klose.
But, at this year's World Cup, Messi has already equalled and surpassed Klose's tally - setting the new record at 18.
So just how far can Mbappe go - and can he surpass Messi's record?
/origin-imgresizer.tntsports.io/2026/06/22/image-0e952d04-34d9-4539-944d-b4668ebdf7a0-85-2560-1440.jpeg)
'A lot of happiness' - Messi reacts after breaking World Cup goalscoring record
Video credit: SNTV
'Records are made to be beaten'
One thing going in Mbappe's favour is his incredible scoring record so far at the World Cup.
His 16 goals at the competition have come in 16 appearances - four in 2018 on the way to France being crowned champions, eight in 2022 - and four so far in 2026.
Conversely, Messi has 18 in 28 World Cup matches, while Klose bagged 16 goals in 24 games.
Mbappe's eight in 2022 is the most in a single tournament from the trio, with Messi's highest being seven four years ago, and Klose's five in both 2002 and 2006.
And that efficiency is what will keep him in the race for the record, says France head coach Deschamps.
"Records are made to be beaten. He has reached 100 caps...he will keep scoring many [goals]," Deschamps said.
"Then, Messi, [Cristiano] Ronaldo...I'm not sure Kylian will play until the same age, but he will always score a lot of goals while he is on the pitch. He has the ability to put the record even higher.
"Knowing [Mbappe], he is very demanding with himself. I have no worries about him. He is here to score goals, and he does.
- Odegaard leads Norway in viral 'Viking Row' celebration
- Spurs want Rashford, but unwilling to meet valuation - Paper Round
"He also plays his role of captain on and off the pitch. He has a worldwide aura. I have heard enough criticism about him and his selfish side, but that's not him at all. He is the captain, and he is a very good example for the whole squad."
If Mbappe wants to surpass Messi as the World Cup's all-time leading scorer, he has a tall task this summer as the Argentine already has five in two games - and has shown no signs of slowing down.
Mbappe does have age on his side, as he is over a decade younger than 38-year-old Messi. The French forward will likely have a few more World Cups ahead of him, while this could be Messi's final appearance in the global competition.
Even if Mbappe's remarkable scoring rate slows, he has made such a fast start that it is not inconceivable to think he could have around 25 World Cup goals by the time of the 2034 edition, when he will be 35.
Could Mbappe break Fontaine record?
Mbappe has already become France's all-time top scorer at this year's World Cup, surpassing Oliver Giroud.
His brace against Iraq came on his 100th appearance for his nation, taking his total up to 60.
According to Transfermarkt, only three European players scored more goals in their first 100 games for their country, in Harry Kane (68), Romelu Lukaku (67) and Aleksandar Mitrovic (62).
Mbappe might also have his sights on a record set by fellow Frenchman Just Fontaine.
Fontaine holds the record for the most goals scored at a single World Cup, after netting 13 in just six matches in 1958.
The next highest on the list are Hungary’s Sandor Kocsis (11 in 1954), Gerd Muller (10 in 1970), and Eusebio (nine in 1966).
France will take on Norway in their final Group I fixture on Friday, with both teams' qualification for the last 32 already assured.
And with another round of fixtures added to the schedule in this expanded 48-team World Cup, Mbappe could be set to add to that total.
Add TNT Sports as a preferred source here to enjoy more content like this.
Stream the Premier League, men’s and women’s FA Cups, UEFA Champions League, UEFA Europa League, UEFA Conference League and more live on TNT Sports and HBO Max.
Related Topics
Advertisement
Advertisement