Kylian Mbappé sets World Cup knockout‑stage goal record

Kylian Mbappé scored twice as France beat Sweden 3‑0 at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, advancing to the round of 16 of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The brace gave Mbappé his ninth World Cup knockout‑stage goal, surpassing Leonidas and Ronaldo for the most ever in knockout rounds. It also raised his tournament tally to six goals, matching Lionel Messi in the race for the Golden Boot, and brought his overall World Cup total to 18, just one behind Messi’s 19.

Born on 20 December 1998 in Paris, the 27‑year‑old French forward stands 1.78 m tall and has played as a striker for Real Madrid since 2024. His record‑breaking performance adds to previous achievements that include a 2018 World Cup win and a hat‑trick in the 2022 final.

Mbappé’s latest feats reinforce his status as one of the most prolific scorers in World Cup history and keep France in contention for a third consecutive final.