Kylian Mbappé against Messi. French star hits 16 World Cup goals, closes gap in all-time scoring race for 100th cap | Football News:

Mbappé ended Messi’s World Cup record after reaching 16 goals in the historic run/ Picture: AP:

The France captain scored twice against Iraq to equal Miroslav Klose on 16 World Cup goals, with: Lionel Messi now ranks ahead of him on the all-time scoring chartsKylian Mbappe’s 100th appearance for France was already shaping up to be a memorable occasion before a lengthy weather delay disrupted proceedings in Philadelphia. By the time France wrapped up a 3-0 win over Iraq, the Real Madrid forward had turned a milestone night into an important chapter in World Cup history.The France captain scored twice as Didier Deschamps’ side qualified for the knockout stage in his 16th World Cup appearance, taking his World Cup tally to 16 goals and moving level with German legend Miroslav Klose for the second-highest total in the tournament’s history. Only Lionel Messi now stands above him after the Argentina captain moved to 18 World Cup goals earlier in the day against Austria.Mbappe’s latest scoring display also continues a remarkable trend that has accompanied his entire World Cup career. At the age of 27, he has already established himself among the most goalscorers the competition has ever seen and is fast closing in on records that once seemed untouchable.

The historic century cap marks another milestone in the World Cup

The night began with Mbappe making his 100th international appearance for France, becoming one of the youngest players to reach the landmark for Les Bleus.His first contribution came in the 14th minute when Michael Olise found him on the left side of the attack. Mbappe sped towards the Iraqi defence, cut inside and fired a powerful left-footed effort past Ahmed Basil at the near post.The strike carries great significance.Not only did it give France the lead, it moved Mbappe to 15 World Cup goals and made him the fastest player in history to reach that number. He achieved the milestone with just 16 World Cup appearances in the 2018, 2022 and 2026 tournaments.The goal also drew him to the level of Brazilian icon Ronaldo Nazario, one of the greatest goalscorers the tournament has ever produced.At that point, Mbappe’s World Cup record stood at 15 goals from just 16 games, a scoring rate unmatched by any player to reach similar territory on the all-time list.

The time delay interrupted the play before Mbappe attacked again

The game then entered the history books for another reason. A severe thunderstorm in Philadelphia forced FIFA to suspend play for half an hour, creating the first season-related disruption to the 2026 World Cup. Players, officials and supporters were forced to seek shelter as lightning protocols caused a delay of approximately 130 minutes.

Iraq’s Hussein Ali, bottom, challenges France’s Kylian Mbappe during the World Cup Group I soccer match between France and Iraq in Philadelphia, Monday, June 22, 2026. (AP Photo/Matt Slocum)

When the game finally resumed, France immediately regained control.Nine minutes into the second half, Ousmane Dembele took advantage of the uncertainty in the Iraqi defense and delivered a low ball across the goal. Mbappe reacted quickest inside the six-yard area, driving the finish into the bottom corner for his second goal of the night.That strike carries greater weight in history than the first.By going to 16 World Cup goals, Mbappe drew level with Miroslav Klose, whose record stood as the benchmark for modern World Cup goalscorers before being overtaken by Lionel Messi earlier in the tournament.

Only Messi remains ahead

The race to the top of the World Cup scoring charts has quickly evolved into a two-man chase involving the greatest active football players.Messi entered Argentina’s game against Austria level with Klose before scoring to make it 17 goals and then extend the record to 18.Mbappe’s brace against Iraq means the France captain now sits just two goals behind Messi despite having fewer games at the World Cup.

Kylian Mbappe of France enters the pitch before the World Cup Group I soccer match between France and Iraq in Philadelphia, Monday, June 22, 2026. (AP Photo/Matt Slocum)

The difference between the two records is striking. Messi’s 18 goals have been achieved in a FIFA-record six World Cups and 28 tournament appearances.Mbappe has now reached 16 goals in 16 World Cup matches.With France already qualified for the knockout rounds and many matches still to come, Mbappe’s chances of closing the gap remain real.

Dembele and Olise helped France secure qualification

While Mbappe inevitably dominated the headlines, France’s victory was built on strong performances elsewhere in attack.Olise provided the assist for Mbappe’s opening goal before releasing Dembele on the move for France’s third goal.Dembele scored his first goal in a major international tournament by driving past two defenders and firing a powerful finish into the far corner in the 66th minute.

Ousmane Dembele (7) of France congratulates his teammate Kylian Mbappe (10) after he scored their second goal during the World Cup Group I soccer match between France and Iraq in Philadelphia, Monday, June 22, 2026. (AP Photo/Petr David Josek)

Together, the trio repeatedly stretched the defensive structure of Iraq and helped France finish with 19 shots, five efforts on target and 56 percent possession.The result secured France’s place in the Round of 32 and set up a potentially decisive final group-stage meeting with Norway to determine who would finish on top of Group I.

Where Mbappe currently stands in World Cup history

Mbappe’s latest brace has changed the all-time World Cup scoring list.