Kylian Mbappe moved within one goal of Lionel Messi’s all time men’s FIFA World Cup scoring record after producing another brilliant display in France’s 3 0 victory over Sweden in the Round of 32 on Monday.
The 27 year old scored twice as France booked a place in the Round of 16. His first goal took his World Cup tally to 18, moving him past Germany legend Miroslav Klose into outright second on the all time scoring list. Only Messi, who has 19 World Cup goals, now stands ahead of the French captain.
Mbappe’s two goals also lifted his combined World Cup total of goals and assists to 22. That moved him ahead of Brazil great Pele into second place in that category as well. Messi continues to lead the list with 27 goal contributions.
The Paris Saint Germain forward has now scored six goals at the 2026 FIFA World Cup. He has also registered two assists, putting him ahead of Messi in the race for the Golden Boot because assists serve as the first tiebreaker when players finish level on goals.
France star rewrites World Cup history
Mbappe’s opening goal also saw him break one of the tournament’s most famous records. He reached 10 goals in World Cup knockout matches, surpassing Brazil legend Ronaldo Nazario, who previously held the record with nine.
The France captain also extended another remarkable record. He has now produced four multi goal performances in World Cup knockout matches. No other player has managed more than two.
His brace against Sweden also became his seventh multi goal game at the World Cup, another tournament record.
Mbappe has received valuable support from Ousmane Dembele throughout the competition. The pair have combined for six goals at this World Cup. Dembele has assisted four of Mbappe’s goals, while Mbappe has created two for Dembele. According to FIFA statistics, it is the tournament’s most productive attacking partnership in 60 years.
France continue dominant march toward title
France’s victory reflected more than Mbappe’s individual brilliance. Didier Deschamps’ side has now scored at least three goals in five consecutive World Cup matches, the longest streak in tournament history.
France also attempted 25 shots against Sweden. It marked their highest total in a World Cup knockout match since 1998. The team has now won its opening four matches of a World Cup for only the second time. The first came in 1998, when France lifted the trophy on home soil.
Deschamps also reached another milestone by recording his ninth World Cup knockout victory as France coach. No manager has won more knockout matches in the tournament.
France will now face Paraguay in the Round of 16 as Mbappe continues his pursuit of more history. One more goal will see him equal Messi’s all time World Cup scoring record. Two more goals will leave him alone at the top of the list while strengthening France’s bid for a third World Cup title.
