Kylian Mbappe delivered another historic performance at the FIFA World Cup 2026, scoring twice against Sweden to surpass Miroslav Klose and reach 18 World Cup goals.
France’s 3-0 victory marked their biggest knockout win since 1998 and set up a Round of 16 clash with Paraguay.
Mbappe’s brace elevated him to the top of the all-time knockout scorers list with 10 goals, overtaking Brazil legends Ronaldo Nazario and Leonidas. He now leads the knockout tally ahead of Just Fontaine and Pele, who each scored seven. His sixth goal of the tournament tied Lionel Messi in the Golden Boot race, highlighting his lethal finishing and blistering pace.
France’s No. 10 showcased his trademark speed and precision against Sweden’s defence, converting two assists from playmaker Michael Olise. Manager Didier Deschamps praised Mbappe’s ability to shine on the world stage, calling him “football history in real-time.”
Messi, despite being the overall top scorer in World Cup history with 19 goals, has only five knockout strikes. Cristiano Ronaldo, surprisingly, has none. Mbappe’s record-breaking run places him in a category of his own, rewriting the history books at just 28 years old.
France’s dominant win not only secured their place in the next round but also reinforced Mbappe’s status as the most dangerous forward in the tournament. His pursuit of the Golden Boot and his unmatched knockout record underline his impact on the global stage.
