Overview
- Miroslav Klose said he expects his 16‑goal World Cup mark to fall soon, naming Lionel Messi as the likeliest to surpass it at the 2026 tournament in the United States, Mexico and Canada or Kylian Mbappé in the following edition.
- Lionel Messi enters 2026 with 13 goals in 26 World Cup matches, needing three to tie Klose and four to stand alone as the competition’s all‑time top scorer.
- Kylian Mbappé has 12 goals in just 14 World Cup games across 2018 and 2022, a strike rate cited in coverage as a strong indicator he can overtake the record in future tournaments.
- Klose’s record stands at 16 goals scored over 24 World Cup appearances across four editions, keeping him atop the all‑time list for now.
- The former Germany striker, now coaching 1. FC Nürnberg, noted he still holds other distinctions, including the most World Cup match wins and being the only player to feature in four semifinals.