Mbappe Match Golden Boot Race With World Cup Feat, Didier Deschamps Extends Coaching Triumphs
With his fifth and sixth goals at the tournament, Mbappe pulls even with Messi in the Golden Boot race.
Published on 1 Jul 2026.
Kylian Mbappe and Didier Deschamps cemented their World Cup legacies Tuesday as the pair delivered historic performances in France’s 3-0 quarterfinal demolition of Sweden. Playing in East Rutherford, Mbappe opened the scoring with a 45th-minute left-foot curler, cutting sharply from the wing to outmaneuver his defenders. The forward added a second within the first 18 minutes of the second half, volousing an Olise thread to slalom past the Swedish defense and convert for a second goal. Barcola’s strike in the 74th minute, aided by a masterful assist from Olise weaving through the backline, sealed the result, securing France’s spot in the next round.
This victory marks Deschamps’ 18th World Cup win as manager, surpassing Helmut Schön’s previous record of 17. Although Deschamps returned to France for his mother’s funeral shortly before the Norway match, the team’s dominance continued, with the midfield engineered by Olivier Giroud and Paul Pogba maintaining relentless pressure on Sweden’s fragile defense. The win also propelled Mbappe into the spotlight as a World Cup great, with his tally of 10 knockouts-stage goals placing him far ahead of any previous iteration of his iconic Golden Boot race.
The French captain’s fifth and sixth goals in the tournament matched Lionel Messi’s total, intensifying the race for the prestigious accolade. This brings Mbappe within reach of the legendary Lionel Messi’s all-time World Cup scoring benchmark of 16 goals, set by the Argentine maestro in a stunning hat-trick victory over Algeria. Both players have served as architects of their team’s World Cup narrative, with Mbappe and Messi trading the lead throughout the competition.
Deschamps’s coaching legacy now stands alone as he becomes the most successful World Cup manager, a title that cements his status as one of football’s very best. Looking ahead, Les Bleus await Paraguay, who stunned former champion Germany on penalties in Foxborough. The Argentina-Fans’ rivalry continues as both sides vie for the ultimate glory, embodying the captivating spirit that fuels the World Cup arena.
As for Mbappe’s remarkable feat of scoring 18 goals over 18 matches, it’s not just a testament to his scoring efficiency but also to his ability to perform under immense pressure. With Messi now hot on his heels, the Golden Boot race has turned into a thrilling showcase of individual brilliance that fans can’t help but admire.
Meanwhile, Deschamps’s tactical prowess remains unmatched as he turns his squad into an unstoppable force throughout the knockouts. As France charges toward the final, every corner, every pass, and every celebratory hug becomes an iconic moment in World Cup history, solidifying Mbappe and Deschamps as two of football’s most influential figures.
