Kylian Mbappé's quest for a second World Cup title was halted in the semifinals of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, as France was defeated by Spain 2-0. This result ended Mbappé's streak of reaching the championship match in 2018 and 2022, marking his third consecutive final appearance.

Since his emergence on the global stage in 2018 at the age of 19, Mbappé has consistently rewritten World Cup history. He became the youngest French player to score in a World Cup and joined Pelé as only the second teenager to score in a World Cup final.

World Cup Career Milestones

Across his three World Cup appearances, Mbappé has amassed an extraordinary collection of records:

  • He has scored 20 goals in 21 World Cup games, placing him second all-time, just behind Lionel Messi's 21.
  • Mbappé holds the record for the most knockout stage goals in World Cup history with 12.
  • He is the only player to score at least eight goals in two separate World Cups.
  • Mbappé has scored multiple goals in seven World Cup matches, more than any other player.
  • His tally of 11 goals and three assists in his last eight World Cup matches showcases his consistent offensive impact.
  • He is tied with Lionel Messi for the most non-penalty goals in World Cup history at 17.
  • In the 2026 tournament, Mbappé recorded 11 goal involvements (eight goals, three assists), the most by a single player in a World Cup since Gerd Müller in 1970.
  • Mbappé and Messi are the only players since 1966 to achieve 10 goal involvements in two different World Cups.

Impact on the French National Team

Mbappé has also become the first player to be involved in 100 goals for the French national team, with 64 goals and 36 assists.

He has scored the winning goal in eight World Cup matches, a record for any player. Mbappé has also set a new French record for World Cup appearances with 21, surpassing Hugo Lloris. He played 21 World Cup matches under coach Didier Deschamps, the most by any player under the same coach in the tournament's history.

His World Cup record includes 17 wins, two draws, and two losses against Tunisia, Spain, Denmark, and Argentina.

At 27 years and 201 days old, Mbappé became the youngest player to reach 20 World Cup appearances against Morocco, breaking Władysław Żmuda's previous record. With 64 goals, he is the all-time leading scorer for France, and his 105 appearances rank ninth in team history.

Individual Tournament Performances

2026 World Cup:

  • Eight goals, three assists
  • 16 chances created, 14 key passes
  • 41 take-ons, 131 passes in the attacking third
  • 52 touches in the opposition's box

2022 World Cup:

  • Eight goals, two assists
  • 11 chances created, nine key passes
  • 56 take-ons, 123 passes in the attacking third
  • 68 touches in the opposition's box
  • Awarded the Golden Boot and Silver Ball

2018 World Cup:

  • Four goals, no assists
  • 10 chances created, 10 key passes
  • 52 take-ons, 70 passes in the attacking third
  • 36 touches in the opposition's box
  • Awarded the Young Player of the Tournament

Despite the semifinal exit, Mbappé's World Cup career has already established him as one of the sport's all-time legends.