Kylian Mbappe breaks all-time World Cup scoring record with 22nd goal against England

Kylian Mbappe cemented his legacy as one of the world's greatest strikers by breaking the all-time World Cup scoring record with his 22nd goal during France's final match of the 2026 tournament against England. Despite his individual achievement, France fell to a 6-4 defeat in the third-place playoff in Miami.

France endured a difficult start, trailing 4-0 at halftime against a much-changed English side. However, Mbappe ignited a comeback in the second half, scoring in the 48th minute to draw level with Lionel Messi on 21 World Cup goals and nine for the current tournament. He then scored again in the 66th minute to claim the all-time scoring record with 22 goals and take sole possession of the tournament's lead with 10 goals.

Mbappe's brace puts him in prime position to defend his Golden Boot title, which he has vied for with Messi throughout the competition. Lionel Messi, likely playing in his last World Cup, has one final opportunity to overtake Mbappe when Argentina faces Spain in the tournament final. The match also saw standout performances from England's Bukayo Saka, who scored a hat-trick, and Jude Bellingham, who netted his seventh goal of the tournament to become England's all-time World Cup scorer and secure a podium finish for his team.