Mbappe breaks Lionel Messi’s record to become FIFA World Cup all-time top scorer

France captain Kylian Mbappe has made football history by becoming the highest goalscorer in FIFA World Cup history, surpassing Lionel Messi’s long-standing record with another remarkable display at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Mbappe reached the historic milestone after scoring twice in France’s thrilling 6-4 defeat to England in Saturday’s third-place playoff, taking his career World Cup tally to 22 goals. The achievement moved him one goal ahead of Messi, who has 21 goals and was due to feature in the tournament final for Argentina against Spain.

Although France failed to secure the bronze medal, Mbappe’s individual performance stole the spotlight as he continued his extraordinary run in football’s biggest competition.

After France went into halftime trailing 4-0, Didier Deschamps’ side produced a spirited response in the second half. Mbappe opened France’s scoring three minutes after the restart with a composed finish before Bradley Barcola added a second to reduce the deficit.

The French captain struck again in the 66th minute after a well-worked move involving Michael Olise, calmly finding the net to register his 10th goal of the 2026 World Cup and rewrite the tournament’s all-time scoring record.

The brace also strengthened Mbappe’s position in the race for the Golden Boot, extending his lead over Messi with one match remaining in the tournament.

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Beyond becoming the World Cup’s all-time leading scorer, Mbappe also became the first player since Germany legend Gerd Müller in 1970 to score at least 10 goals in a single FIFA World Cup tournament, highlighting his dominance throughout the competition.

Football analysts have described the achievement as another landmark in the career of the Real Madrid forward, who has consistently delivered on the biggest stage since making his World Cup debut in 2018. His pace, clinical finishing and ability to perform in high-pressure matches have established him as one of the greatest players of his generation.

Despite Mbappe’s heroics, France could not complete their comeback as England held on to claim victory in one of the highest-scoring matches of the tournament.

With 22 World Cup goals already to his name and still in the prime of his career, Mbappe is widely expected to extend his record in future editions of the competition, setting a benchmark that could stand for many years.

Top five all-time FIFA World Cup goalscorers

1. Kylian Mbappe (France) — 22 goals
2. Lionel Messi (Argentina) — 21 goals
3. Miroslav Klose (Germany) — 16 goals
4. Ronaldo Nazario (Brazil) — 15 goals
5. Gerd Müller (Germany) — 14 goals

Mbappe’s latest feat further cements his place among football’s greatest players and adds another chapter to an already remarkable international career. As the 2026 FIFA World Cup draws to a close, the French forward’s record-breaking exploits are set to remain one of the defining stories of the tournament.

Mbappe breaks Lionel Messi’s record to become FIFA World Cup all-time top scorer

England Thrash France 6-4 in Record-Breaking World Cup Bronze Medal Thriller

• Bukayo Saka hat-trick and Jude Bellingham’s record seventh goal secure England’s best finish since 1966 as Didier Deschamps’ 14-year France reign ends in Miami goal-fest

England produced a breathtaking attacking masterclass to defeat France 6-4 in the 2026 World Cup third-place playoff, securing the bronze medal in the highest-scoring consolation match in tournament history. The ten-goal thriller at Miami’s Hard Rock Stadium saw Bukayo Saka become only the fourth Englishman to score a World Cup hat-trick, while Jude Bellingham set a new England single-tournament scoring record with his seventh goal of the competition. The victory gives Thomas Tuchel’s side their best FIFA World Cup finish since lifting the trophy on home soil in 1966, erasing the bitter memories of previous third-place playoff defeats to Italy in 1990 and Belgium in 2018. For France, the match marked the emotional end of Didier Deschamps’ 14-year tenure as manager, with the 1998 World Cup-winning captain bowing out after a record 26 matches in charge of Les Bleus at football’s greatest tournament.

England could not have dreamed of a better start to the contest. Just three minutes into the contest, captain Declan Rice unleashed a thunderous long-range strike that flew past French goalkeeper Mike Maignan, sending the England supporters into raptures. The Arsenal midfielder, who has been a pillar of England’s midfield throughout the tournament, celebrated his second goal of the competition. Rice turned provider in the 18th minute, delivering a perfectly weighted corner that found defender Ezri Konsa unmarked at the far post. The Aston Villa centre-back powered his header home to double England’s advantage, leaving France shell-shocked and chasing shadows. Bukayo Saka then produced a moment of individual brilliance in the 37th minute, picking up possession on the right flank, cutting inside past two defenders, and firing an unstoppable left-footed shot into the far corner – a goal that showcased the 23-year-old’s growing maturity on the biggest stage. Saka wasn’t finished. In first-half stoppage time, he capitalised on a defensive error from Dayot Upamecano, intercepting a loose pass before rounding Maignan and slotting into an empty net. England went into the break with a scarcely believable 4-0 lead – the first time France had ever conceded four goals in a single half of a World Cup match.

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Didier Deschamps, knowing his 14-year reign was drawing to a close, made a quadruple substitution at half-time. The introduction of Bradley Barcola, Ousmane Dembélé, Eduardo Camavinga, and Kingsley Coman injected fresh energy into a French side that had been unrecognisable in the opening 45 minutes. The gamble worked immediately. Within three minutes of the restart, Kylian Mbappé pulled a goal back, expertly controlling Michael Olise’s through ball before firing low past Jordan Pickford. The Paris Saint-Germain superstar was just getting started. In the 54th minute, Barcola made an instant impact, latching onto a loose ball inside the penalty area and drilling home to make it 4-2. The French bench erupted as the comeback suddenly felt real. Mbappé struck again in the 66th minute, again from an Olise assist, cutting inside from the left and curling a magnificent effort into the top corner. The scoreboard read 4-3, and with more than 20 minutes still to play, France sensed an extraordinary turnaround for the ages. The French captain’s brace took his career World Cup goal tally to 22, moving him past Lionel Messi to become the all-time top scorer in World Cup history. At just 27 years old, Mbappé has cemented his legacy as one of the greatest players ever to grace the tournament, with his tournament tally now standing at 10 goals in the 2026 edition.

With the match hanging in the balance, England won a crucial penalty in the 87th minute. Substitute Djed Spence, who had been a constant threat down the right flank, was clumsily brought down by Malo Gusto inside the box, and referee Darío Herrera pointed to the spot without hesitation. Bukayo Saka stepped up with ice in his veins. The Arsenal star sent Maignan the wrong way, calmly slotting into the bottom left corner to complete his hat-trick and restore England’s two-goal cushion at 5-3. It was Saka’s fifth goal of the tournament and his first international treble at senior level. Saka now joins Geoff Hurst, Gary Lineker, and Harry Kane as the only England players to score a World Cup hat-trick – elite company for a player who has become the heartbeat of England’s attack. France refused to accept defeat, and in the sixth minute of stoppage time, Ousmane Dembélé found space inside the box after a sweeping move, controlling a deflected cross and firing past Pickford to make it 5-4. The Miami crowd was on its feet as France poured forward in search of an equaliser that would have been the most remarkable comeback in World Cup playoff history. Just when it seemed France might snatch a draw, Jude Bellingham produced a moment of individual brilliance that will be replayed for generations. The Real Madrid midfielder picked up possession on the halfway line in the 98th minute, drove forward past two challenges, and slotted a composed finish past Maignan to make it 6-4. The goal was Bellingham’s seventh of the tournament, setting a new England record for most goals in a single World Cup. The 22-year-old surpassed Harry Kane’s six-goal haul from 2018 and proved why he is widely regarded as one of the finest young talents in world football. Bellingham also became the first English player to score in five different matches at a single World Cup finals.

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The 6-4 scoreline set multiple World Cup records. It was the highest-scoring third-place playoff with 10 goals, surpassing the previous record of six goals set in 1958, and marked the first World Cup match with 10 or more goals since 1982 – a 44-year gap. France’s four-goal half-time concession was unprecedented, while Mbappé’s 22 career World Cup goals made him the all-time leading scorer in tournament history, surpassing Lionel Messi. Saka joined the elite England hat-trick club alongside Hurst, Lineker, and Kane, while Bellingham’s seven goals set a new English single-tournament benchmark. Additionally, Michael Olise finished the tournament with seven assists, the most recorded in a single World Cup in the last six decades, and Didier Deschamps extended his record for most World Cup matches managed to 26.

Kylian Mbappé now leads the 2026 World Cup Golden Boot race with 10 goals, two clear of Lionel Messi heading into Sunday’s final. The Argentine captain, who has eight goals for the tournament, can still overtake Mbappé if he produces a hat-trick or better in the final against Spain. Michael Olise, despite France’s defeat, finished the tournament with a staggering seven assists – the most recorded in a single World Cup tournament in the last six decades. The Crystal Palace midfielder was a constant creative force throughout Les Bleus’ campaign and his creative output will be one of the few positives for French fans to take from this campaign.

For Didier Deschamps, the defeat brought the curtain down on a remarkable 14-year tenure as France manager. The 57-year-old, who won the World Cup as captain in 1998 and as manager in 2018, was visibly emotional after the final whistle. Speaking to reporters, Deschamps reflected on his journey with the national team, acknowledging that the first half was unacceptable at their level but expressing pride in everything the squad had achieved together over the past 14 years. He leaves with a legacy that includes a World Cup win, a European Championship final appearance, and a Nations League title, and holds the record for most World Cup matches managed with 26. His successor will be announced in the coming weeks, with Zinedine Zidane widely tipped as the favourite to take over.

The bronze medal victory represents a significant step forward for Thomas Tuchel’s England. Having reached the semi-finals of the 2022 World Cup and the final of Euro 2024, the Three Lions have now secured their best World Cup finish since 1966. Tuchel praised his side’s resilience after the match, highlighting the incredible character shown to withstand France’s comeback and still find a way to win. He described the bronze medal as a building block for the future, expressing belief that this squad can go all the way in 2030. The victory also exorcised the demons of England’s previous third-place playoff defeats – 2-1 to Italy in 1990 and 2-0 to Belgium in 2018. For a squad packed with young talent including Saka, Bellingham, and Spence, the future looks exceptionally bright.

The 2026 World Cup bronze medal match will be remembered as one of the most entertaining games in tournament history. From England’s blistering first-half display to France’s courageous fightback, and from Saka’s hat-trick to Bellingham’s record-breaking finish, the match had everything. For England, it is a moment of redemption and a sign that the golden generation is finally delivering on its immense potential. For France, it is the end of an era – but with Mbappé at his peak and young talents emerging, Les Bleus will remain a force for years to come. The final between Argentina and Spain on Sunday now carries even greater significance, with Messi chasing Mbappé’s Golden Boot lead and both nations aiming to lift football’s greatest prize.

England Thrash France 6-4 in Record-Breaking World Cup Bronze Medal Thriller

Messi says facing Lamine Yamal in World Cup final after iconic baby photo is ‘crazy’

Argentina captain Lionel Messi has described it as “crazy” that he will face Spain teenage star Lamine Yamal in the 2026 FIFA World Cup final, nearly two decades after an iconic photograph captured him holding the future football sensation as a baby.

The highly anticipated final has become more than just a battle for football’s biggest prize. It also represents a symbolic meeting between one of the greatest players in history and a teenager widely tipped to dominate the game for years to come.

Speaking during his pre-match press conference on Friday, Messi reflected on the famous photograph, saying neither he nor anyone else could have imagined that the baby he held during a charity event at Barcelona’s Camp Nou would one day become his opponent in a World Cup final.

“That picture with Lamine is incredible. Now we are facing each other in a final after a photo was taken of us when he was a baby. It’s just crazy,” Messi said.

The image, taken in 2007 by Spanish photographer Joan Monfort, was part of a UNICEF charity calendar organized alongside Barcelona-based newspaper SPORT. Yamal’s family had won a raffle that paired the infant with a then-20-year-old Messi for the photoshoot inside Camp Nou.

Argentina captain Lionel Messi and Spain teenage star Lamine Yamal as a baby

The photograph remained largely unnoticed for years before resurfacing in 2024 after Yamal’s father shared it on social media during the youngster’s breakthrough season. Since then, it has become one of football’s most iconic images, symbolizing the passing of the torch from one generation to the next.

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Despite expressing admiration for Yamal’s remarkable rise, Messi made it clear that friendship and sentiment would be put aside once the final kicks off.

“We’ll try to put on a good match, but I hope he and his team don’t put on a good one,” the Argentine captain joked.

Messi also described the Barcelona winger as one of the best footballers in the world despite being only 19 years old.

“He’s one of the best in the world right now. I wish him luck because his success will be Barcelona’s success, but we’ll try to keep him from playing at his best. Spain has a great team, not just him. We have our own weapons too.”

The eight-time Ballon d’Or winner said Yamal has all the qualities needed to enjoy a long and successful career at the highest level.

“He’s a tremendous player. A global star. He’s 19 years old and has his whole career ahead of him. I wish him the best, but we’ll give it our all to ensure he doesn’t become champion this time.”

Sunday’s showdown has been widely described as a clash between football’s past, present and future.

Messi, now 39, is aiming to guide Argentina to back-to-back FIFA World Cup titles after leading the Albiceleste to glory in Qatar four years ago. He enters the final in outstanding form, having scored eight goals and provided four assists during the tournament, while remaining tied with France captain Kylian Mbappé in the race for the Golden Boot.

For Yamal, the final marks another milestone in an extraordinary rise that has seen him become one of Europe’s brightest stars. After helping Spain win UEFA Euro 2024, the Barcelona forward has continued his impressive development, establishing himself as one of the most exciting young talents in world football.

Football fans across the globe are eagerly anticipating the contest, not only because of the quality of both teams but also because of the unique story connecting Messi and Yamal.

The meeting between Argentina and Spain also carries added significance after the planned Finalissima between the Copa América and European champions was cancelled earlier this year due to the conflict in the Middle East.

As a result, Sunday’s FIFA World Cup final will serve as the first competitive meeting between the two continental champions, adding another fascinating layer to an already historic occasion.

For photographer Joan Monfort, who captured the unforgettable image nearly two decades ago, seeing Messi and Yamal now competing for football’s biggest prize feels almost surreal.

“The photo has exploded all over the world. Now this has culminated in the final between Messi and Yamal. It is better than any film script,” Monfort said.

With one iconic photograph connecting their past and the FIFA World Cup final set to define another chapter in football history, all eyes will be on Lionel Messi and Lamine Yamal as they battle for global glory.

Messi says facing Lamine Yamal in World Cup final after iconic baby photo is ‘crazy’