Mbappe adds to World Cup record haul as France reaches semifinals

Kylian Mbappe has added several national and World Cup marks to his résumé during France’s run to the 2026 semifinals. Al Jazeera reported that his second-half goal in France’s 2-0 quarterfinal win over Morocco in Boston tied him with Lionel Messi for the most non-penalty goals in World Cup history.

Mbappe missed an early penalty against Morocco, according to Al Jazeera, but later scored and also assisted Ousmane Dembele. The result sent France into the semifinals and moved its captain to 20 career World Cup goals, one behind Messi on the all-time list.

France scoring records

Mbappe became France’s all-time leading scorer in the national team’s opening match of the tournament, Al Jazeera reported. His goal against Senegal took him past Olivier Giroud, who had held the mark.

The Real Madrid forward now has 64 goals for France, according to Al Jazeera. Giroud is second with 57, followed by Thierry Henry with 51 and Antoine Griezmann with 44.

Mbappe also holds France’s World Cup scoring record. Al Jazeera reported that his goal against Senegal was his 14th at the tournament, moving him past Just Fontaine, who scored 13 times at the 1958 World Cup.

Since then, Mbappe has added six more goals at the 2026 tournament, taking his World Cup total to 20. That total includes 17 goals from open play or set pieces other than penalties, matching Messi’s non-penalty total, according to Al Jazeera.

Knockout-stage record

Mbappe also became the leading scorer in World Cup knockout matches during France’s 2026 campaign. Al Jazeera reported that his first goal against Sweden moved him ahead of Brazilian forwards Leonidas and Ronaldo on the knockout scoring list.

He scored again against Sweden and later added goals against Paraguay and Morocco. Al Jazeera put his career total in World Cup knockout matches at 12.

Goal contributions and appearances

Al Jazeera reported that Mbappe’s assist for Dembele against Morocco gave him 11 direct goal contributions at the 2026 World Cup. The outlet said he is the first player since records began in 1966 to produce at least 10 direct goal contributions at two separate World Cups.

At the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, Mbappe recorded eight goals and two assists, according to Al Jazeera. His 2026 output has already passed that combined mark.

Mbappe has also matched Hugo Lloris for the most World Cup finals appearances by a France player. Al Jazeera reported that he reached 20 appearances and became the youngest player to hit that mark for France.

If selected for France’s semifinal, Mbappe would move ahead of Lloris in national World Cup appearances. France’s place in the last four gives him another chance to extend a tournament run already defined by records.

This story draws on original reporting from Al Jazeera.