Kylian Mbappe Creates FIFA World Cup History Despite France's 6-4 Loss to England
Kylian Mbappe added another remarkable chapter to his international career by becoming the highest goalscorer in FIFA World Cup history during France's 6-4 defeat to England in the 2026 FIFA World Cup third-place playoff.
The France captain scored twice in the second half to take his overall World Cup tally to 22 goals, surpassing Lionel Messi's previous record of 21. Mbappe also strengthened his position at the top of the tournament's Golden Boot standings, reaching 10 goals in the 2026 edition.
Although France could not overturn a huge first-half deficit, Mbappe once again demonstrated his ability to perform under the brightest lights, setting another landmark in an already extraordinary World Cup career.
Mbappe Delivers Again on the Biggest Stage
France struggled throughout the opening 45 minutes, with England taking complete control of the contest. Mbappe found very few opportunities before halftime as the French attack was largely contained.
The second half told a different story. The Real Madrid forward came out with far greater intensity and scored twice before the scheduled hydration break, briefly reducing England's advantage and giving France hope of an unlikely comeback.
His brace not only established a new all-time World Cup scoring record but also moved him clear in the race for the tournament's Golden Boot with 10 goals in eight appearances during the 2026 competition.
A Record-Breaking World Cup Journey
Before the start of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, Germany legend Miroslav Klose held the tournament scoring record with 16 goals across four World Cup editions.
Lionel Messi overtook Klose during the group stage of the 2026 tournament, with Mbappe soon matching and then surpassing both legendary forwards. His latest double against England lifted his career World Cup total to 22 goals from just 23 World Cup matches, underlining his incredible scoring consistency on football's biggest stage.
The third-place playoff also marked the final match of Didier Deschamps' tenure as France head coach. After being kept off the scoresheet in the semi-final defeat to Spain, Mbappe responded with another clinical performance, even though it was not enough to change the outcome.
England Produce Brilliant Attacking Display
England secured the bronze medal after producing one of their most entertaining attacking performances of the tournament.
The Three Lions stormed into a 4-0 halftime lead, putting France under relentless pressure from the opening whistle.
Declan Rice opened the scoring before defender Ezri Konsa doubled England's advantage. Bukayo Saka then stole the spotlight by scoring twice before the interval as England repeatedly exploited gaps in the French defence.
Manager Thomas Tuchel had opted to leave both Jude Bellingham and Harry Kane on the bench, having acknowledged before the match that neither side had been particularly enthusiastic about playing the third-place playoff. Even so, England approached the contest with energy and attacking intent.
Saka completed his hat-trick from the penalty spot in the second half, taking his tally to six goals in the tournament, while England eventually closed out an entertaining 6-4 victory after France mounted a spirited fightback led by Mbappe.