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Not so fast, Leo! Mbappe is coming for Messi's record

Kylian Mbappe bagged his second consecutive brace as France made it two wins from two at the 2026 World Cup by beating Iraq 3-0 on Monday evening. After watching Lionel Messi score twice against Austria earlier in the evening, Mbappe did likewise during a storm-delayed Group I encounter in Philadelphia, meaning he remains one goal behind his former Paris Saint-Germain team-mate in this year's Golden Boot race, and two off the Argentine's overall tournament tally of 18.

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Fans warned against attending France clash with Iraq

World Cup organisers have issued an urgent warning to supporters ahead of the Group I clash between France and Iraq, advising fans not to travel to the Philadelphia Stadium. Severe weather in the region has already forced a delay to the opening of the stadium gates, with the scheduled kick-off now under threat.

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Golden Boot: Will Kane be watching Messi, Mbappe & Haaland?

Harry Kane lives for scoring goals, but will England’s record-shattering captain be keeping an eye on how the likes of Lionel Messi, Kylian Mbappe and Erling Haaland are faring at the 2026 World Cup? Three Lions legend John Barnes has addressed that Golden Boot battle during an exclusive interview with GOAL, as individual ambition is blended with the collective pursuit of global glory.

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Mbappe names Messi & Ronaldo as best two players at 2026 World Cup

Kylian Mbappe has brushed aside comparisons with football's biggest stars, insisting Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo remain the game's standout players. The France captain also played down talk of individual milestones, including his pursuit of the World Cup's all-time scoring record, as he focused on helping Les Bleus progress in the tournament.

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'He's the Ballon d'Or winner!' - Mbappe bites back at Dembele's critics

France star Kylian Mbappe has fiercely defended his international team-mate Ousmane Dembele following criticism of the winger's performance against Senegal. Speaking ahead of France's second 2026 World Cup fixture against Iraq, the Real Madrid forward reminded everyone of Dembele's tactical value and Ballon d'Or status, while also opening up on the pressures of captaincy and Michael Olise's impact.

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Bayern & France assist king Olise reveals his favourite position

Michael Olise has established himself as one of the best wingers in world football for Bayern Munich and France, but the talented attacker has surprisingly revealed that playing out wide is not his preferred role. The 24-year-old, who is currently starring at the 2026 World Cup, explained that he feels most comfortable and natural operating centrally as a traditional number 10.

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RANKED: Messi, Pele & the top 10 World Cup players ever

There's no sporting event bigger than the World Cup. It's the pinnacle of professional football, where global superstars are born, dreams die and legends live forever. Sometimes, with just one goal, one pass, one tackle, one block or one save, a previously little-known player can become a national hero, a name eternally etched in the memory of a country's collective consciousness.

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Olise responds to Mbappe's high praise

France star Michael Olise has responded to glowing praise from captain Kylian Mbappe as Les Bleus are currently competing in the World Cup. The Bayern Munich winger has quickly become one of the most exciting talents in European football, earning a lofty reputation among his senior teammates.

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Revealed: The three changes France are set to make against Iraq

Didier Deschamps is reportedly ready to make three personnel alterations to his starting line-up for France's upcoming World Cup group game. The manager looks set to hand Paris Saint-Germain winger Bradley Barcola a start, his first at a World Cup, to inject energy into the attack, with Desire Doue having struggled in the first half against Senegal.

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Mbappe 'incredibly proud' after breaking France record

Real Madrid star Kylian Mbappe has expressed his immense pride after breaking Olivier Giroud's record to become the all-time leading goalscorer for the France national team. Following his crucial brace against Senegal in their opening 2026 World Cup match, the prolific forward is now setting his sights on breaking the all-time tournament record currently held by Lionel Messi.

France v Senegal: Group I - FIFA World Cup 2026

Henry snubs Mbappe for 'most important' star

Thierry Henry has claimed that Michael Olise has overtaken Kylian Mbappe as France's "most important player" following their impressive World Cup victory over Senegal. While Mbappe made history by becoming the nation's all-time leading goalscorer during the 3-1 win, it was the Bayern Munich star who caught the eye of the legendary striker.

France v Senegal: Group I - FIFA World Cup 2026

'Felt artificial' - Rabiot slams 'hard & rigid' pitch after France win

France may have secured a convincing 3-1 victory over Senegal to kickstart their World Cup campaign, but Adrien Rabiot was left far from impressed with the playing conditions in North America. The experienced midfielder has hit out at the state of the pitch at the New York New Jersey Stadium, claiming the surface made for a difficult and laboured opening fixture.

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Mbappe rubbishes 'revenge' mission claim after World Cup brace

Kylian Mbappe has hit back at his detractors after a record-breaking night for France, insisting he is not motivated by a desire for "revenge" against those who have questioned his form. The Real Madrid superstar delivered a masterclass in Les Bleus' World Cup opener against Senegal, scoring twice to officially become his country's all-time leading goalscorer.

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Mbappe bounces back in Olise-inspired France turnaround

They made hard work of it, but much-fancied France got their World Cup campaign off to a winning start as they eventually secured a 3-1 victory over Senegal in Group I. After a dire first-half display Les Bleus were transformed, with Kylian Mbappe - who had been particularly poor - delivering a brace either side of Bradley Barcola's fine finish to become his country's record goal-scorer.

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Mbappe reveals how Madrid transfer brought unexpected freedom

France international Kylian Mbappe has opened up about his newfound freedom since joining Real Madrid. As he prepares to lead his nation in their 2026 World Cup opener against Senegal, the forward revealed how leaving his homeland has surprisingly allowed him to enjoy a more normal life, despite facing two difficult years on the pitch while his former club dominated Europe.

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'One of the best’ but Saliba ‘not a star like Mbappe or Dembele’

William Saliba has firmly established himself as a cornerstone of the Arsenal and France defence, but the 25-year-old remains grounded regarding his celebrity status. Despite being considered one of the Premier League's elite performers, the centre-back is quick to differentiate his role from the attacking flair and global superstardom of his international colleagues.

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France World Cup star 'agrees personal terms' with Arsenal

Arsenal have intensified their pursuit of Roma midfielder Manu Kone after reportedly agreeing personal terms with the player's representatives. The 25-year-old, who is currently away on international duty with France at the 2026 World Cup, has emerged as a primary summer target for the Gunners as they look to exploit Roma's pressing financial situation.