By Anushe Engineer

This article was released on 18 Jul 202618 Jul 2026.

The record-breaking performance underscores Mbappe's dominance on the global stage and further cements his place among football's all-time greats.

Kylian Mbappe of France netted his 22nd World Cup goal, setting a new all-time scoring record and solidifying his status as the world's premier striker during his last appearance of the tournament against England.

England will walk away from the World Cup with a third-place finish after beating France 6-4 in a thrilling bronze-medal match in Miami on Saturday.

The 2018 champions had their worst start to the World Cup with a 4-0 scoreline at halftime as they meekly battled a much-changed English side.

Mbappe, the 27-year-old French captain, spearheaded the comeback with a 48th-minute goal, pulling his team back into the game and equalling Lionel Messi’s record of 21 World Cup goals and tournament-leading tally of nine.

An inspired France then saw Bradley Barcola strike six minutes later before Mbappe returned to the attack and netted in the 66th minute to become the all-time goal-scorer in the world with 22 and the highest at the tournament with 10.

Mbappe is back on track to defend his Golden Boot title, which he and Messi have traded between themselves throughout the tournament.

The 39-year-old Argentinian, likely playing his last World Cup, will have one last chance to snatch the award from Mbappe when his side take on Spain in the final on Sunday.

Elsewhere in the game, Ousmane Dembele scored his sixth World Cup goal and France’s fourth and final against England, who saw a standout performance from Bukayo Saka in his hat-trick.

Jude Bellingham became England’s all-time scorer in this tournament when he netted his seventh goal and the sixth for the Three Lions to land them a podium finish at the World Cup.

At 27, Mbappe's record is particularly remarkable given his age, and he still has years ahead to extend it. Meanwhile, the tournament concludes with a final between Argentina and Spain, where Lionel Messi could potentially reclaim the Golden Boot. Mbappe's achievement highlights a generational shift in footballing excellence.