World Cup 2026: Mbappé begins the chase behind Messi and matches Ronaldo

Kylian Mbappé continues to write his legend at the World Cup. By opening the scoring as early as the 14th minute against Iraq, the French striker netted his 15th goal in the competition, drawing level with Brazil’s Ronaldo among the tournament’s all-time top scorers.

Just hours after Lionel Messi’s historic brace against Austria, which allowed him to take sole possession of the World Cup’s all-time top scorer ranking with 18 goals, Mbappé delivered an immediate response on the pitch.

A meteoric rise

The French captain now boasts 15 World Cup goals, the same tally as Ronaldo. Only Messi and Germany’s Miroslav Klose remain ahead of him, with 18 and 16 goals respectively.

Mbappé’s momentum is nothing short of astonishing. After his hat-trick in the 2022 World Cup final against Argentina, his brace in France’s opening match of this 2026 edition against Senegal, and now his latest goal versus Iraq, Mbappé looks more determined than ever to seize the Golden Boot and close in on the all-time record.

Messi in his sights

With Messi raising his total to 18 thanks to his double against Austria, Mbappé has reignited the long-distance duel between these two superstars. The French striker is now just three goals behind the Argentine and only one goal shy of the men’s record previously held by Klose.

If France continues its run in the tournament, Mbappé could quickly climb even higher in the rankings. Given his efficiency and consistency on the world stage, the race for Messi’s throne is more open than ever.

Nouya M'toama

Editorfr, en

Versatile journalist specializing in sports and political news, with extensive experience across radio, print and digital media platforms.