Mbappe reaches 18 World Cup goals, one behind Messi as France down Sweden 3-0
Synopsis
Mbappe is now just one goal behind Messi on the all-time World Cup scoring list after a clinical brace against Sweden. With both players still in the tournament, the record that once seemed untouchable could fall within days — and France's relentless form makes them the team no one wants to face in the knockout rounds.
Key Takeaways
France beat Sweden 3-0 on 1 July in New Jersey to reach the FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 16 .
Kylian Mbappe scored twice, taking his all-time World Cup tally to 18 goals — one behind Lionel Messi and two ahead of Miroslav Klose .
Bradley Barcola added the second goal, set up by Michael Olise .
France became the first nation in World Cup history to score at least 3 goals in 5 consecutive matches .
Mbappe now has 10 knockout-stage World Cup goals .
France face Paraguay in Philadelphia on 5 July , targeting a third straight final.
Kylian Mbappe struck twice as France swept past Sweden 3-0 on 1 July at New Jersey to advance into the FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 16, with Bradley Barcola also on the scoresheet. Les Bleus maintained their perfect scoring record in the tournament, becoming the first nation in World Cup history to score at least three goals in five consecutive matches.
Mbappe Closes In on Messi's All-Time Record
Mbappe now has 18 World Cup goals in total, moving into outright second place on the all-time scoring charts. His brace leaves him two clear of Miroslav Klose and just one goal behind Lionel Messi, who leads the all-time list. Notably, Mbappe has also reached 10 knockout-stage goals — a marker of his consistency in the highest-pressure matches. With both Mbappe and Messi still active in the tournament, further movement at the top of the charts appears almost certain.
How France Dismantled Sweden
Didier Deschamps' side dominated possession through much of the first half but struggled to convert early chances. The breakthrough came when Mbappe used quick footwork inside the box to rifle the ball into the corner. Sweden's hopes of a comeback after the interval were swiftly ended when Michael Olise threaded a precise pass for Barcola to finish emphatically for the second. Olise then delivered a delicate through-ball for Mbappe to complete the scoring with a composed finish.
What Deschamps Said
'A lot of pride and a lot of emotion. Before this match, we saw in the other Round of 32 games that no match was easy, ours included, even though we had a bit of a cushion. We could have been more efficient in the first half, but we have to appreciate what we achieved,' said Deschamps after the final whistle.
The France coach also issued a note of caution ahead of the next fixture. 'There's another match in four days, and that's what we're here for. We have to maintain the same focus, the same determination for the next stage against Paraguay, a great South American nation, very tenacious and talented. They're not here by chance,' he added.
France's Round of 16 Record and What's Next
This is France's seventh Round of 16 appearance in World Cup history, having previously reached the stage in 1986, 1998, 2006, 2014, 2018, and 2022. Among nations with the longest consecutive streaks of Round of 16 appearances, only Brazil (11) and Argentina (at least 5) surpass France's current run of four. Les Bleus will now face Paraguay in Philadelphia on 5 July, as they target a place in a third straight final.
Point of View
But the more significant number may be 10 — his knockout-stage goals, which signal that he elevates when it matters most. France's ability to score at least three in every group game is a structural advantage, not a fluke; Deschamps has built a side that does not ease off. The real test arrives against Paraguay, a compact South American side built to frustrate exactly this kind of expansive football. If Mbappe breaks Messi's record, it will likely happen in a moment of individual brilliance rather than system dominance — which is precisely what makes him dangerous.
NationPress
1 Jul 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
How many World Cup goals does Mbappe have now?
Mbappe has 18 World Cup goals after his brace against Sweden on 1 July 2026, placing him second on the all-time list — two ahead of Miroslav Klose and one behind Lionel Messi.
Who scored for France against Sweden?
Kylian Mbappe scored twice and Bradley Barcola added a third, with Michael Olise providing the assists for both the second and third goals.
Who do France play next in the FIFA World Cup 2026?
France face Paraguay in Philadelphia on 5 July 2026 in the Round of 16, as they target a place in a third consecutive World Cup final.
What is France's World Cup record of scoring three goals in consecutive matches?
France became the first nation in World Cup history to score at least three goals in five consecutive matches, underlining their dominance in the 2026 tournament.
How close is Mbappe to breaking Messi's World Cup scoring record?
Mbappe is one goal behind Messi on the all-time World Cup scoring chart. With both players still active in the 2026 tournament, the record could change in the coming rounds.
