Mbappe ties Messi on World Cup goals as France beat Paraguay

Kylian Mbappé matched Lionel Messi’s record of seven goals at a single FIFA World Cup after France’s 1‑0 victory over Paraguay in the 2026 knockout stage. The French forward’s late strike, assisted by a precise cross from Antoine Griezmann, sealed the win and propelled France into the quarter‑finals. The match, held at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, ended with a clean sheet for the hosts, who have now advanced to the last 16 for the first time since 2018.

Mbappé’s goal tally places him level with Messi, who scored seven goals during the 2022 tournament in Qatar. Both players have now become the most prolific scorers in World Cup history, each achieving the milestone in a single edition. France’s 1‑0 scoreline was the result of disciplined defense and a single moment of brilliance from Mbappé, who has been a key figure in the national team’s resurgence under manager Didier Deschamps. Paraguay, despite a spirited effort, could not find a breakthrough against a well‑organized French side.

With the quarter‑finals looming, France will look to build on this momentum and continue their quest for a third World Cup title. The match underscored Mbappé’s growing legacy and the enduring rivalry between him and Messi, both of whom have redefined modern football with their goal‑scoring prowess.