World Cup
Mbappé scores twice to reach 16 World Cup goals, ties Klose
France's Kylian Mbappé struck twice in a 3-0 victory over Iraq in Philadelphia, taking his World Cup tally to 16 goals. The haul ties him with Germany's Miroslav Klose and leaves him two goals shy of Lionel Messi's 18 in the tournament's history.
Mbappé achieved his 16 goals in just 16 matches, an exact average of one per game. By contrast, Miroslav Klose needed 23 matches to reach the same total.
Lionel Messi secured the sole top spot by scoring his 18th World Cup goal in Argentina's win over Austria last Monday. His 18 goals came from 27 matches, extending his lead over the others.
Speaking to , Mbappé said, “There is no rivalry. Leo has always scored goals, scores goals, and will keep scoring.” He added that he does not watch Messi’s progress because it would force him to do even more, and that he only looks at his own team.
The Real Madrid forward also remarked, “I’m not thinking about the Golden Boot.” He emphasized that the most important thing is having a collective structure to be confident in the team’s strength.
France will meet Norway on Friday at 4 p.m. Brasília time in Boston for the Group I decider. With a perfect record, the French side can afford a draw thanks to its goal‑difference advantage.
The runner‑up in Group I could face the Brazilian national team as early as the round of 16. Brazil’s progression therefore hinges on the outcome of the France‑Norway clash.
Argentina is scheduled to play Jordan on Saturday at 11 p.m. Brasília time in Dallas. That fixture follows Messi’s record‑breaking performance against Austria.