Kylian Mbappe made history by becoming the all-time top goalscorer in FIFA World Cup history after netting two goals for France in the 2026 World Cup third-place playoff against England. At just 22 years old, he surpassed Lionel Messi’s previous record of 21 goals with an impressive performance on the grand stage. Although he struggled to make an impact during the first half as England raced to a decisive 4-0 advantage, Mbappe came to life after the break. He scored twice before the second-half hydration break, rekindling France’s hopes and marking another significant achievement in his illustrious World Cup journey. This brace also raised his tournament total to 10 goals, putting him in the lead for the Golden Boot, surpassing Messi. Despite France’s challenging position, Mbappe consistently showcased his talent in crucial matches, further etching his name into the annals of World Cup history.
Event Context
Before the commencement of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, Miroslav Klose held the record for the most goals in the tournament’s history with 16. However, Lionel Messi broke this record during the group stages, and Kylian Mbappé quickly followed suit by surpassing Klose’s tally. Following France’s semi-final loss to Spain, Didier Deschamps chose Mbappé for the starting lineup in the third-place playoff, marking his final match as the national team’s coach. Despite being kept off the score sheet against Spain and halting his scoring streak, Mbappé bounced back against England in a stunning performance.
In the second half, Mbappé netted twice, further solidifying his remarkable World Cup legacy while also enhancing his chances for the tournament’s Golden Boot.
**France vs. England FIFA World Cup Highlights**
In a dominant first-half display, England surged to a striking 4-0 lead against France in the third-place playoff. Declan Rice initiated the scoring, followed by Ezri Konsa who increased the lead with a well-placed shot. Bukayo Saka then stole the spotlight, scoring twice during a phenomenal opening 45 minutes as England dismantled the French defense with speed and accuracy. This commanding performance came despite Thomas Tuchel opting to bench Jude Bellingham and Harry Kane, acknowledging before the match that neither team was eager to participate in the playoff. Saka took full advantage of his chance, delivering a standout performance with his two goals, as England’s aggressive strategy sharply contrasted with their more defensive tactics that drew criticism in their semi-final loss to Argentina.
