Messi Sets New All-Time Record
On Sunday night, Lionel Messi cemented his status as the greatest goalscorer in FIFA World Cup history, netting a brace in Argentina's 2-0 win over Austria to reach 18 career goals in the tournament. The 38-year-old surpassed Miroslav Klose's previous mark of 16 with a trademark finish in the first half, then added a second in stoppage time to move four clear of the German legend. Messi had earlier missed a penalty awarded after a VAR check, but his resilience and class shone through as he wrote yet another chapter in his storied career.
"He is the greatest to ever do it in this competition," one Argentine pundit declared after the final whistle, capturing the sentiment sweeping through Dallas.
Mbappe's Current Tally and the Chase
Kylian Mbappe has been on a relentless pursuit of World Cup glory since bursting onto the scene in 2018. The French captain already has 12 goals from the 2018 and 2022 tournaments, including a stunning hat-trick in the 2022 final against Argentina. At this World Cup, Mbappe wasted no time adding to his legacy: he scored twice in France's opening win over Saudi Arabia, lifting his all-time total to 14 goals. This means the 27-year-old needs four more goals to equal Messi's new benchmark of 18.
Mbappe's efficiency is unparalleled. As The Guardian noted, he is "already the GOAT in terms of goals per match among those who have scored at more than one World Cup." With at least two more group-stage fixtures—including tonight's clash with Iraq—and the knockout rounds to come, the Paris Saint-Germain superstar is well-positioned to make history. His blistering pace, clinical finishing, and penchant for delivering on the biggest stages make him the most potent threat in the tournament.
The Record in Sight
To surpass Messi, Mbappe will need to maintain his form deep into the competition. Only two players—Messi and Klose—have scored more than 16 World Cup goals, and Mbappe is now within touching distance of joining that elite club. With France among the favourites to lift the trophy, the forward could have up to six more matches to chase the record. Four goals in that span is a daunting but achievable task for a player who has averaged more than a goal per game at World Cups since his debut.
France's next test comes against Iraq in Group K. A strong performance there could see Mbappe cut the deficit even further, intensifying the spotlight on his personal duel with Messi for the ages. As Messi himself might appreciate, records are meant to be broken—and Mbappe is the heir apparent.
How to Watch Mbappe vs Iraq
France face Iraq in their second group-stage match on Monday, 22 June 2026, with kick-off at 5pm ET / 10pm BST / 7am AEST (23 June). The venue is to be confirmed.
Broadcast details: Official TV and streaming information is currently unconfirmed for most territories. In the UK, World Cup matches are traditionally shared between the BBC and ITV, but specific channel allocations for this fixture have not been announced. Check local listings or the official FIFA website for updates. No streaming details are available at this time; avoid unofficial streams.
Key Takeaways
- Lionel Messi now holds the all-time World Cup goalscoring record with 18 goals, surpassing Miroslav Klose.
- Kylian Mbappe has 14 World Cup goals, needing four more to equal Messi's mark.
- France's match against Iraq on 22 June is Mbappe's next opportunity to close the gap.
- Broadcast and streaming details are not yet confirmed; check local providers closer to kick-off.
- Mbappe's goals-per-game ratio is the best among players with multiple World Cup goals.
Quick Facts
Record Holder: Lionel Messi (18 goals)
Mbappe's Total: 14 goals
Goals Needed to Tie: 4
Next Match: France vs Iraq, 22 June, 5pm ET
Mbappe's World Cup Goals Breakdown: 4 in 2018, 8 in 2022, 2 so far in 2026