Mbappe brace fires France into World Cup last 16, draws level with Messi in Golden Boot race

Kylian Mbappe delivered a star performance in France’s FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 32 clash against Sweden, scoring twice to guide the defending champions to a comfortable 3-0 victory and book a place in the Round of 16 against Paraguay.

The Real Madrid forward’s second goal of the match moved him level with Argentina’s Lionel Messi in the Golden Boot race, with both players now on six goals in the tournament.

However, Mbappe currently leads the standings on goal contributions, having also provided two assists during the competition.

The brace also helped Mbappe create history as he became the highest-scoring player in FIFA World Cup knockout-stage history, taking his tally to 10 goals in the knockout rounds.

The 27-year-old had a slow start against Sweden, missing several early opportunities before producing a moment of individual brilliance in the 45th minute.

Mbappe beat Viktor Gyökeres before calmly finishing past Swedish goalkeeper Jacob Widell Zetterström, taking his World Cup knockout goal tally to nine and surpassing Brazilian legends Leonidas and Ronaldo.

He completed his double in the 74th minute after receiving a pass from Michael Olise and firing a precise finish into the far corner. The goal was his sixth of the 2026 tournament, drawing him level with Messi in the Golden Boot standings.

With 18 goals in 18 World Cup matches, Mbappe moved within one goal of Messi’s all-time tournament scoring record. Messi currently has 19 World Cup goals across six appearances at the competition.

Mbappe did not complete the full match, with France coach Didier Deschamps substituting him in the 84th minute. The game also marked Deschamps’ return to the touchline after missing France’s final group-stage match against Norway following the death of his mother.

After scoring France’s opening goal, Mbappe ran straight towards Deschamps in a show of support, highlighting the emotional moment of the match.