Mbappé has set a record for the number of goals scored in World Cup play-offs
France striker Kylian Mbappé has set a new record for the number of goals scored in World Cup knockout stages.
In the 2026 World Cup round of 32 match against Sweden, which took place on the night of 1 July, the French striker scored a brace and helped his team secure a 3–0 victory.
Following this match, Mbappé now has 10 goals in World Cup play-offs. This is a new all-time tournament record.
The 27-year-old Frenchman has surpassed the achievements of Ronaldo and Leonidas. Both Brazilian players had previously scored eight goals in World Cup knockout matches.
Mbappé has also drawn level with Lionel Messi on the list of top scorers at the 2026 World Cup. The Frenchman and the Argentine currently have six goals each in the current tournament.
Furthermore, Kylian Mbappé has closed the gap on Lionel Messi in the list of all-time World Cup top scorers. The French striker has now scored 18 goals at World Cups, whilst Messi has 19.
In the round of 16, France will face Paraguay, who sensationally knocked Germany out in a penalty shoot-out at the start of the knockout stages.
The 2026 World Cup will run until 19 July in the USA, Mexico and Canada.
This is the first World Cup in history to feature 48 national teams. From 1998 to 2022, the tournament was held with 32 teams.
