Mbappé sets World Cup knockout scoring record in France’s 3-0 rout of Sweden

Kylian Mbappé wrote his name into World Cup history on Tuesday, becoming the all-time leading scorer in knockout-round play as France swept aside Sweden in their round of 32 match at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey.

A Record-Breaking Night

Mbappé's opening goal in the 45th minute — a curving strike to the far post after a devastating stepover that left Viktor Gyökeres on the turf — gave him nine career knockout-stage goals across three World Cups, surpassing Brazilian legends Leônidas and Ronaldo, who each scored eight. The 27-year-old added a second later in the match as France built a 3-0 lead.si+2

The finish capped a first half of relentless French pressure in which Sweden could barely get out of their own half. Mbappé had already been denied by an offside call in the 20th minute and rattled the post 12 minutes later before finally breaking through.si

Closing In on Messi

With his brace, Mbappé moved to 18 career World Cup goals, drawing level with Argentina's Lionel Messi atop the all-time scoring charts. He also surpassed Germany's Miroslav Klose, who held the record of 16 for over a decade. At 27, Mbappé has time to extend whatever mark he sets.sports.yahoo+1

His fifth goal of the tournament tied him with Norway's Erling Haaland for second in the Golden Boot race, one behind Messi's six.si+1

France March On

Bradley Barcola also found the net as France extended their dominance, with the match finishing 3-0. Didier Deschamps's side, who went unbeaten through Group I with 10 goals scored, now advance to the round of 16, where they will face Paraguay. Deschamps shared an emotional embrace with Mbappé after the record goal, having recently returned from France where he attended his mother's funeral.aljazeera+2

France entered the tournament as one of the favorites, and through four matches, nothing has suggested otherwise.