NEW DELHI: French Captain Kylian Mbappé created history on Thursday by becoming the first player since 1966 to record 10 or more goal contributions in two separate FIFA World Cups.The 27-year-old reached the landmark after scoring a goal and providing an assist in France’s 2-0 win over Morocco in the World Cup quarter-finals. Mbappe finished with 10 goal contributions at the 2022 World Cup and has already taken his tally to 11 in the ongoing 2026 edition.
More records for Mbappe
It was another record night for the France skipper.Mbappe became the youngest player to turn 20 FIFA World Cup appearances and also the fastest player to reach 20 goals in the history of the tournament.His 60th-minute strike was the 20th World Cup goal of his career, leaving him just one behind. Lionel MessiAll-time tally of 21.The Real Madrid striker is also back at the top of the Golden Boot rankings. Mbappe and Messi have eight goals in the tournament, but the Frenchman leads in the tiebreaker with three assists compared to Messi’s.
Mbappe joined Messi
Mbappe also entered an exclusive list after his performance against Morocco.He became only the fourth player in the last 60 years to score, provide an assist and miss a penalty in the same World Cup match. Remarkably, the rare feat has been achieved twice in the last three days, with Lionel Messi doing it against Egypt before Mbappe repeated it against Morocco.It was also the third time Mbappe has scored and assisted in the same World Cup game. The only player who has done it more often in the last 60 years is Messi, who has achieved it five times.
France advance to the semi-finals
Mbappe’s brilliant performance helped France beat Morocco 2-0 and book their place in the World Cup semi-finals.Ousmane Dembele scored France’s second goal as Les Bleus were on course to become only the third nation to reach three consecutive World Cup finals.France also extended another impressive record, registering their sixth World Cup victory in matches officiated by Argentine referees, the most by any nation.The match was also Mbappe’s 20th World Cup appearance under Didier Deschamps, the most by any player under the same coach.France will now face both Spain and Belgium in the semi-finals in Dallas.