Kylian Mbappé’s Historic Achievement
Kylian Mbappé has become the all-time leader in goals scored during World Cup knockout matches, netting in the Round of 32 clash against Sweden. This strike, his ninth in nine knockout appearances, pushes him past legendary players like Leônidas and Ronaldo, who each scored eight. The French star now sits second on the World Cup’s all-time scoring list with 17 goals, surpassing Miroslav Klose. Only Argentina captain Lionel Messi, with 19 goals, remains ahead of him.
Round of 32 Results
The Round of 32 has already set the first Round of 16 matchup: Canada will face Morocco. Canada snatched a 1-0 victory over South Africa thanks to a 90+2-minute goal from Stephen Eustáquio. Meanwhile, Morocco advanced past the Netherlands in a penalty shootout. The Canada vs. Morocco match is scheduled for July 4 in Houston, USA. Brazil has also successfully secured its spot in the Round of 16 of the 2026 World Cup.
These developments at the World Cup highlight the growing influence of young stars like Mbappé in global football. His knockout-stage exploits underscore the intense competition and emotional drama that define this phase of the tournament. The upcoming Canada-Morocco Round of 16 clash promises to be a compelling contest, as both teams have impressed in earlier rounds, giving them strong chances for further progress.
As Mbappé continues to break records on the global stage, his recent achievement of surpassing the French national team record further solidifies his status among football's elite. To explore how this young star has positioned himself within the top echelons of World Cup scorers, check out the details in our article on his remarkable journey in the tournament.