Messi or Mbappe take over as World Cup top scorers in 2026, says recordholder Klose

World Cup record scorer Miroslav Klose said he expects his mark of 16 goals to be broken at the 2026 tournament in Canada, Mexico and the United States.

"I knew the record was going to fall one day," the former Germany striker said in several TV interviews, predicting other top players will eventually pass him.

Klose said Lionel Messi, on 13 World Cup goals, and Kylian Mbappe, on 12, are the most likely to do it.

The 47-year-old said the expanded World Cup field will create more opportunities to score.

"It is a chance for smaller countries to participate. It's great they get the chance to be around," added Klose, who coaches second-division side 1. FC Nuremberg. The 2026 tournament will feature 48 teams.

Klose, who won the 2014 World Cup with Germany, scored his 16 goals across four tournaments in 2002, 2006, 2010 and 2014. He is also the only player to have featured in four World Cup semifinals since 1930.

Messi and Mbappe have each played in two World Cup semifinals.

Inter Miami forward Messi is expected to play in a record sixth World Cup and is the most-capped player with 26 World Cup appearances. He surpassed Germany's Lothar Matthaeus, who made 25 appearances, at the 2022 tournament in Qatar.

Klose said he will be rooting for Messi.

"I am a mad Messi fan and have been ever since. Therefore, I keep my fingers crossed for him despite knowing Mbappe is one of the best," he said.

Messi, 38, has scored 13 goals across five World Cups, while Mbappe, 27, has 12 in two tournaments. The 2026 World Cup is likely to be Messi's last, while Mbappe is expected to have further chances to add to his tally.

"At least I will keep my record of four semifinals for now," Klose said. He added that the 2014 title in Brazil stands above all as a team achievement.

Just Fontaine remains the World Cup record scorer for a single tournament after the French striker netted 13 goals at the 1958 finals.