Mbappe hits 16 World Cup goals in 100th cap as France down Iraq 3-0
Synopsis
On his 100th cap, Mbappe did not just win a game — he rewrote history. Two goals against Iraq took him past Ronaldo to 16 FIFA World Cup goals, placing him joint second with Klose and just one behind record-holder Messi. With France already through and Norway next, the Mbappe-Messi Golden Boot race is now the tournament's most compelling subplot.
Key Takeaways
Kylian Mbappe scored twice on his 100th international appearance as France beat Iraq 3-0 in Philadelphia on 23 June .
Mbappe now has 16 FIFA World Cup goals , moving past Cristiano Ronaldo (15) to sit joint second with Miroslav Klose .
Lionel Messi leads the all-time World Cup scoring chart on 17 goals — just two ahead of Mbappe.
Mbappe has scored two or more goals in six World Cup matches , more than any other player in tournament history.
Ousmane Dembele netted his first-ever FIFA World Cup goal; Michael Olise provided two assists.
France are through to the Round of 32 with a game to spare and face Norway next.
Kylian Mbappe marked his 100th international appearance with a brace and Ousmane Dembele added a third as France dismantled Iraq 3-0 in Group I of the 2026 FIFA World Cup at Philadelphia on 23 June, booking their place in the Round of 32 with a match still to play. The win underlined France's status as one of the tournament's most dangerous sides.
Mbappe's Milestone Night
Mbappe rifled France ahead in the 14th minute, crashing a ferocious left-foot shot from 20 yards after being teed up by Michael Olise. His second arrived when Zaid Tahseen and goalkeeper Ahmed Basil made a costly error from a goal kick, gifting possession to Dembele, who squared for his captain to convert — a simpler finish, but no less welcome on a landmark evening.
The brace lifted Mbappe to four goals in the tournament and, more significantly, to 16 FIFA World Cup goals in total. He entered the match one behind Cristiano Ronaldo's tally of 15 — the third-highest in history — equalled it and then surpassed it within the same game. He now sits joint second alongside Miroslav Klose, trailing only Lionel Messi, the new all-time record-holder on 17.
A Record for Multiple-Goal World Cup Games
Mbappe has now scored two or more goals in six FIFA World Cup matches — more such games than any other player in the tournament's history. His goal-a-game record at the global finals remains intact, a consistency that sets him apart even in a generation of elite forwards.
Dembele Joins the Party
The third goal belonged to Dembele, who was rewarded for his earlier assist when the ever-inventive Olise slid him in 12 minutes later to crash home the first FIFA World Cup goal of his stellar club career. The combination play between Olise and the French attack suggested a side operating with genuine fluency.
What's Next for France
France now advance to face Norway, knowing they will play knockout football regardless of the result. The match carries added intrigue given both sides possess formidable attacking threats. For Mbappe personally, the next landmark is 103 caps — the total held by his long-standing coach Didier Deschamps, ninth on the all-time list for Les Bleus. Should France progress deep into the tournament and Mbappe feature in every game, he could equal that mark as early as the Round of 16. His personal duel with Messi — for both the 2026 Golden Boot and the all-time World Cup scoring record — will be one of the defining narratives of the remainder of this tournament.
Point of View
Not just careers. Yet the more telling statistic is the six multi-goal World Cup games — a record that speaks to consistency under pressure, not just individual brilliance. France's real test, however, is whether their squad depth and tactical cohesion can match Mbappe's personal momentum when the knockout rounds demand collective resilience over individual genius.
NationPress
23 Jun 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
How many FIFA World Cup goals does Mbappe have now?
Mbappe has 16 FIFA World Cup goals after his brace against Iraq on 23 June 2026. He is joint second on the all-time list alongside Miroslav Klose, trailing only Lionel Messi who holds the record with 17.
What was the significance of France vs Iraq at the 2026 World Cup?
France beat Iraq 3-0 in Group I in Philadelphia on 23 June 2026, securing their place in the Round of 32 with a game to spare. The match was also Kylian Mbappe's 100th international appearance, which he marked with a brace.
Who scored for France against Iraq?
Kylian Mbappe scored twice — in the 14th minute and shortly after the extended half-time break — while Ousmane Dembele added a third. Michael Olise provided two assists across the goals.
Who does France play next in the 2026 World Cup?
France face Norway in their next Group I match. They enter the game already qualified for the Round of 32, giving them flexibility in team selection regardless of the result.
How close is Mbappe to breaking Messi's all-time World Cup scoring record?
Mbappe is two goals behind Messi's record of 17 FIFA World Cup goals. With France still in the tournament and Mbappe in form, the record is within reach if he continues to feature and score in the knockout rounds.
