June 24, 2026
Julien Pretot, Reuters
Kylian Mbappe is closing in on one of football's most coveted scoring records, but France's captain insists individual milestones pale beside the prospect of Les Bleus lifting a third World Cup trophy.
Mbappe's double in Monday's 3-0 win over Iraq propelled France into the knockout rounds while elevating his career World Cup goal tally to 16, level with former Germany striker Miroslav Klose and only two behind Lionel Messi's all-time record.
Yet the 27-year-old, who has netted 60 goals in 100 international appearances, has repeatedly brushed aside talk of individual achievements, framing the tournament as a collective mission rather than a personal pursuit.
