On July 9, Kylian Mbappe continued to assert his status as a top goalscorer in World Cup history by shining in France’s 2-0 victory over Morocco in the quarterfinals.
After a deadlocked first half, France increased the pressure with a high-pressing style of play. The European representative’s efforts paid off in the 60th minute. Following a teammate’s successful tackle, Mbappe received the ball right on the edge of the penalty area before unleashing a dangerous curled shot, the ball nestling into the far corner, leaving goalkeeper Yassine Bounou unable to make a save despite full-stretch diving.
The strike helped Mbappe raise his total number of goals at the 2026 World Cup to 8, equaling Lionel Messi’s tally at this year’s tournament. However, what left the entire football world astonished was the French forward’s goalscoring efficiency.
Mbappe scored 20 goals in exactly 20 appearances at World Cups. Not only that, but Mbappe also became the first player since 1966 to contribute directly to at least 10 goals in two consecutive World Cups. Previously, he concluded the 2022 World Cup with 8 goals and 2 assists. This year, Mbappe still has the opportunity to improve his tally as France advanced to the semifinals.
The goal against Morocco also helped Mbappe reach the milestone of directly contributing to 100 goals for the France national team, including 64 strikes and 36 assists, becoming the first player in the history of “Les Bleus” to reach this milestone.
More notable than anything is his record in knockout matches. Mbappe scored up to 12 goals in 11 appearances in the World Cup knockout stage, the most in the tournament’s history. With explosive form and still at a very young age, the French striker is highly likely to soon surpass Lionel Messi to hold the all-time World Cup goalscoring record.
