Mbappe sets World Cup record with fastest 20 goals

PARIS: France forward Kylian Mbappe added another milestone to his remarkable career by becoming the fastest player in FIFA World Cup history to score 20 goals after finding the net in his side’s quarterfinal victory over Morocco at the 2026 tournament.

The 27-year-old struck in the 60th minute to reach the 20-goal mark in just 20 World Cup appearances, surpassing Lionel Messi, who reached the milestone in 30 matches.
Mbappe achieved the feat across three World Cup editions 2018, 2022 and 2026 and also became the youngest player to score 20 World Cup goals at 27 years and 201 days. He has scored four goals in 2018, eight in 2022 and eight so far in the 2026 tournament.
The goal also made Mbappe the highest-scoring player in FIFA World Cup knockout matches, with 12 goals in the tournament’s elimination rounds.
In another landmark achievement, Mbappe became the first France international to be directly involved in 100 international goals, having recorded 64 goals and 36 assists for his country.
With eight goals and three assists at the 2026 World Cup, Mbappe is also the first player since 1966 to register more than 10 goal contributions in two separate World Cup editions.
His 14 knockout-stage goal contributions have also drawn level with Lionel Messi for the joint-highest total over the past six decades.