The contest for the FIFA World Cup 2026 top scorer award is intensifying after Kylian Mbappe matched Lionel Messi at the head of the goal charts. Mbappe helped defending champions France reach the semifinals via a 2-0 win over Morocco on Thursday.
The forward endured a mixed night at the venue. He missed an early chance to open the scoring when a defender fouled him in the area, yet the Moroccan goalkeeper saved the resulting penalty. Six minutes into the second half Mbappe produced a fine individual effort, advancing into the box and firing a low shot inside the post for his eighth goal of the tournament. That strike drew him level with Messi and one ahead of Norway striker Erling Haaland. Mbappe leads the scoring table on assists as well.
France doubled their advantage six minutes later when a teammate finished from close range. The coach then withdrew Mbappe late in the match to a warm reception from spectators.
The goal also lifted Mbappe to 20 career World Cup strikes in 20 appearances, leaving him one behind Messi on the all-time list. Messi has 21 goals from 31 matches across six tournaments.
Attention now turns to the remaining quarterfinals. Haaland will play for Norway against England on Saturday, while Messi seeks to regain the outright lead when Argentina faces Switzerland the same evening.
