Kylian Mbappé surpassed Pelé on the all-time World Cup scoring chart while edging closer to the tournament’s overall goal record. Additionally, he set a new record for France‘s national team goal tally.
All of this was achieved in just his opening match of the tournament.
Stopping the 2022 Golden Boot winner seems nearly impossible.
Iraq coach Graham Arnold, who is tasked with containing Mbappé and the 2022 World Cup runners-up France in Monday’s Group I second match, had a humorous suggestion.
“I asked if we could play with three goalkeepers,” Arnold joked on Sunday. “But they said no.”
The 27-year-old Mbappé, who plays for Real Madrid, has another milestone ahead as he prepares to face Iraq: his 100th international appearance for France.
“It’s always a pleasure to represent my national team,” Mbappé stated at a packed press conference in the Philadelphia Eagles locker room. “There’s nothing greater than playing for the national team. One hundred is historic, especially during the World Cup.”
If France advances deep into the tournament, he could surpass coach and former captain Didier Deschamps (103 caps). If he stays injury-free, he might even break goalkeeper Hugo Lloris’ record of 145 appearances for Les Bleus.
Having already won the World Cup in 2018, Mbappé scored his 13th and 14th goals in the tournament during France’s 3-1 opening victory over Senegal, surpassing Olivier Giroud to become the all-time leading scorer for France.
His second goal against Senegal also positioned him ahead of Pelé on the World Cup scoring list.
With 14 World Cup goals to his name—two in this tournament, eight in 2022 when he claimed the Golden Boot, and four in 2018—Mbappé is tied with Germany’s Gerd Müller for fourth place in World Cup history. He stands one goal behind Brazil’s Ronaldo and two shy of the all-time record of 16 held by Miroslav Klose of Germany and Lionel Messi, who netted a hat trick for Argentina in this World Cup.
Given that he has at least a decade left in his career and possibly two more World Cups ahead of him, discussions have already begun: Could Mbappé become the greatest player in World Cup history?
“That’s a topic for others to discuss,” Mbappé remarked in English. “It’s a conversation for the journalists and football fans. It’s valuable to debate who the best is. For me, the focus is on how I can help my team against Iraq tomorrow and aim for the trophy in July.”
Mbappé quipped that he wouldn’t play international football until he turns 40, and acknowledged Messi as the top player currently. He also left the door open for a future transfer to MLS—much like Messi’s move to Inter Miami—adding that David Beckham has made a case for him to consider playing in the United States. Mbappé responded with a casual, “we’ll see.”
“The culture in America is distinct,” he said. “Ambitions know no bounds; I appreciate that.”
However, that’s a decision for much later.
Mbappé played a pivotal role in France’s 2018 World Cup victory and helped the team reach the final in 2022, where he earned the Silver Ball award as the tournament’s second-best player. Alongside Désiré Doué and reigning Ballon d’Or holder Ousmane Dembélé, France entered this year’s tournament as a co-favorite alongside Spain.
Les Blues previously won the title in 1998 and 2018, with their 2022 final defeat to Argentina decided by a penalty shootout.
Fortunately for Iraq, Mbappé only needs to contend with one goalkeeper, not three.
Arnold mentioned that he has yet to choose his starting goalkeeper for the match against France, following team captain Jalal Hassan‘s struggle during Iraq’s 4-1 defeat to Norway.
“While we can’t control how France performs, we can focus on our own game,” Arnold emphasized. “We’re ensuring that our players are fully prepared to showcase their capabilities.”
Iraq garnered respect for cleaning up after their defeat in Gillette Stadium, taking the time to tidy their locker room.
They also left a touching note in the locker room that read, “Thank you, Boston.”
“They created the mess, so they took responsibility to clean it,” Arnold said. “It showcased great leadership and respect for our surroundings.”