Mbappé sets World Cup knockout record as France oust Sweden

Kylian Mbappé has made history by breaking the record for the most goals in FIFA World Cup knockout matches, as he scored twice to lead France to a commanding 3-0 victory over Sweden at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, on Tuesday.

This win marks France’s most significant knockout match victory since their 3-0 win over Brazil in the 1998 final, setting up a round-of-16 clash with Paraguay, who defeated Germany.

“I’m very aware of who I am and how I play, but it’s not just about me,” Mbappé stated through a translator. “The entire team knows what needs to be done. Today marks the start of a new competition. We played well but could have been better initially.”

Mbappé’s opening goal came in the 45th minute, showcasing his exceptional skills after a brilliant crossover step. This was his ninth knockout stage goal, surpassing legendary Brazilian scorers Leonidas and Ronaldo for the most in World Cup history.

After scoring, the 27-year-old star rushed to embrace coach Didier Deschamps, who was back on the bench following a personal absence during the group stage. “He knows we will always support him,” Mbappé added.

Following Bradley Barcola’s goal early in the second half, Mbappé further solidified his contribution with a stunning third goal in the 74th minute, finishing neatly into the far side of the net after a perfectly weighted pass from Michael Olise.

With six goals in the tournament, Mbappé is now tied with Argentina’s Messi in the race for the Golden Boot. He has scored 18 goals in 18 World Cup appearances, trailing only Messi in all-time tournament scoring.

Deschamps acknowledged Mbappé’s impact with a bow upon his substitution in the 85th minute. “We’re on a mission, and I’m committed alongside them,” Deschamps remarked through a translator.

Olise also had a notable performance, contributing assists for both of France’s goals and leading the tournament with five assists— the most by a player in a men’s World Cup since 1994.

“He’s exceptional on the field,” Barcola said of Olise. “He not only defends well, but also delivers excellent passes and creates danger. It’s a real pleasure to play with him.”

As France aims for their third consecutive World Cup final, they will face Paraguay on Saturday in Philadelphia. The winner will advance to a quarterfinal against either Canada or Morocco five days later in Foxborough, Massachusetts.

In scorching conditions at MetLife Stadium, where the final will be held on July 19, France dominated with 25 shots compared to Sweden’s 7, including a 15-3 advantage in the first half. It was a humid 90 degrees Fahrenheit at kickoff. During a hydration break, defender Lucas Digne amusingly cooled off under a sprinkler.

Mbappé struck a post in the 32nd minute, expressing frustration, and nearly scored again shortly after with a bicycle kick from Olise that also hit the post.

In a historic first World Cup meeting between the teams, Mbappé’s goal came after a deflection from goalkeeper Jacob Widell Zetterström. He initiated the play from a short corner, receiving the ball from Ousmane Dembélé and executing a skillful shot into the far corner.

With the win, the crowd of 80,663 raised the tournament’s record total audience to over 5 million. Many fans donned France jerseys, with a section in Sweden’s yellow.

“Losing to one of the best countries is tough,” Sweden defender Victor Lindelöf reflected. “We have come a long way.”

As for approaching the next match, Mbappé quipped, “I’m just eager for some cool air conditioning in the locker room.”

FAQs

What record did Kylian Mbappé break?

Mbappé broke the record for the most goals in World Cup knockout matches with nine goals.

Who will France face next in the tournament?

France will play Paraguay in the next round of the World Cup.