Pelé's World Cup goal record was surpassed by Kylian Mbappé on June 17, 2026. Mbappé scored two goals in France's 3-1 win over Senegal, reaching 14 World Cup goals.
What happened?
Mbappé's achievement came as he led France to a 3-1 victory over Senegal at MetLife Stadium. He scored two goals in the match, cementing his name in World Cup history.
Why it matters for Pelé
Pelé's record of 12 World Cup goals had stood for decades. Mbappé's surpassing of this record is a significant milestone in the history of the tournament.
What comes next?
Lionel Messi also made World Cup history on June 17, 2026, scoring a hat-trick in Argentina's 3-0 win over Algeria. He reached 16 World Cup goals, drawing level with Miroslav Klose at the top of the tournament's all-time scoring chart.
Mbappé remained humble when asked about his achievement, choosing to shift the spotlight away from himself and pay tribute to Pelé. "He is the King, the best," Mbappé replied.
Messi played down the impact of the records, stating "I think it means nothing. In the end, they are statistics and nothing more." He also praised Ronaldo Nazário, describing him as "one of the greatest I've ever seen."
The World Cup continues to produce exciting matches and historic moments. On June 17, 2026, France and Argentina secured important wins, with Mbappé and Messi leading the charge.
Pelé's legacy continues to inspire new generations of football players. His records may be surpassed, but his impact on the sport remains significant.
The World Cup will continue to captivate audiences around the globe. With talented players like Mbappé and Messi, the tournament is sure to produce more thrilling moments, as reported by Yahoo sports on June 17, 2026.