Kylian Mbappe has added another remarkable milestone to his growing World Cup legacy, becoming the highest-scoring player in FIFA World Cup knockout history after inspiring France to a 3-0 victory over Sweden in the Round of 32.
The Real Madrid forward struck twice to take his tally to 10 goals in World Cup knockout matches, overtaking Brazilian legend Ronaldo Nazario, who previously held the record with eight.
The brace also lifted Mbappe to 18 career World Cup goals, moving him within one of Lionel Messi's all-time record of 19.
Kylian Mbappe becomes World Cup knockout king
Mbappe's latest performance further underlined his reputation as football's biggest big-game player.
With his two goals against Sweden, the 28-year-old now stands alone atop the all-time World Cup knockout scoring charts.
Most World Cup knockout goals
| Rank | Player | Goals |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Kylian Mbappe (France) | 10 |
| 2 | Ronaldo Nazário (Brazil) | 8 |
| 2 | Leônidas (Brazil) | 8 |
| 4 | Just Fontaine (France) | 7 |
| 4 | Pele (Brazil) | 7 |
| 6 | Lionel Messi (Argentina) | 5 |
| - | Cristiano Ronaldo (Portugal) | 0 |
While Messi owns the overall World Cup goals record with 19, only five of those have come in knockout matches. Cristiano Ronaldo, despite featuring in six World Cups, has never scored in the knockout rounds.
Kylian Mbappe Closing in on Messi's all-time record
Mbappe's overall World Cup tally now stands at 18 goals, leaving him just one behind Messi's all-time mark.
Most World Cup goals in history
| Rank | Player | Goals |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Lionel Messi (Argentina) | 19 |
| 2 | Kylian Mbappe (France) | 18 |
| 3 | Miroslav Klose (Germany) | 16 |
| 4 | Ronaldo Nazário (Brazil) | 15 |
| 5 | Gerd MÜller (West Germany) | 14 |
With France still alive in the tournament, Mbappe could equal or even surpass Messi's overall record before the end of the 2026 World Cup.
Golden Boot race tightens
Mbappe's brace also reignited the race for the Golden Boot.
He is now level with Messi on six tournament goals, although the Frenchman currently holds the advantage on assists.
Erling Haaland, Vinicius Junior and Ousmane Dembele remain in contention, but Mbappe's consistent scoring in knockout matches makes him one of the favourites to finish as the tournament's leading scorer.
France set up Paraguay showdown
France's comfortable 3-0 win over Sweden secured a place in the Round of 16, where Didier Deschamps' side will face surprise package Paraguay.
Paraguay arrive full of confidence after eliminating Germany in a dramatic penalty shootout, but France will once again look to Mbappe, who continues to rewrite football history almost every time he steps onto a World Cup pitch.
The French superstar now owns the record for the most goals ever scored in FIFA World Cup knockout matches, and with several games potentially still ahead of him, there is every chance he adds even more distance between himself and the chasing pack.
