Kylian Mbappe says he is aware of the statistics and follows the media coverage of his golden boot race with Lionel Messi at the World Cup 2026, where the striker wants to go down in history by winning a second title in three editions of the tournament. Captain Mbappe scored twice as Les Bleus breezed past Sweden 3-0 in the last 32 in New Jersey on Tuesday, moving level with Argentina counterpart Messi, who scored once against Jordan on Sunday, as the six-goal top scorer at the finals.Im sure that Leo is going to score more goals, so I dont pay too much attention to that, said Mbappe, who scored a hat-trick in the 2022 final as France lost to Argentina in Lusail, with Messi netting twice in that game.I know how important a World Cup is to a country and Ive always said that my goal is to make history for my country.Ive done it once and I came close in Qatar. We can go down in our countrys history.Table of ContentsWorld Cup 2026: France want to help Mbappe vs MessiWorld Cup 2026 golden boot standingsFrance vs Sweden: World Cup contenders not invincibleFrance vs Paraguay: World Cup round of 16World Cup 2026: When is France vs Paraguay?World Cup 2026: France want to help Mbappe vs MessiTeammate Malo Gusto said Frances squad are not surprised that their talisman is vying with the eight-time Ballon dOr winner to win the golden boot.When you are of Kylians calibre, you owe it to yourself to chase the goals, the trophies, all of that, said the Chelsea right-back.We, as players, want to help him with that, of course. As long as it carries the team, well take it, quite simply. Were happy for him.Messi has become the all-time World Cup scorer since starting his campaign with a hat-trick against Algeria, taking his total to 19.Second-placed Mbappe is two clear of any player in history, on 18, and has seven more than the next-most prolific active player at World Cup tournaments, Englands Harry Kane.Im aware of the statistics, admitted the 27-year-old. Everyone is talking about them and I watch TV too.I focus more on the opponents we might face and how close we are to our goal, which is the final.World Cup 2026 golden boot standingsHeres how the standings look before England face DR Congo in the last 32. Players level on goals are separated by assists.PlayerCountryGoalsAssistsKylian MbappeFrance62Lionel MessiArgentina60Erling HaalandNorway50Ousmane DembeleFrance42Vinicius JuniorBrazil41Johan ManzambiSwitzerland31Ismaila SarrSenegal31Julian QuinonesMexico31Matheus CunhaBrazil30Jonathan DavidCanada30Harry KaneEngland30Yoane WissaDR Congo30France vs Sweden: World Cup contenders not invincibleBradley Barcola also scored and Michael Olise set up two goals as France continued their perfect start to the finals, having scored 13 times in four matches.He did Michael things again tonight, Gusto said of Olise, calling the Bayern forwards display magnificent. Michael helped the team a lot, as usual. Were very proud to have this kind of player.Head coach Didier Deschamps returned after missing his sides 4-1 win over Norway on matchday three following the death of his mother.I think Kylian did that to support the coach, said Gusto, reflecting on Mbappes embrace of Deschamps after his first goal.It was a difficult moment for him, so it was up to us to also return the favour. We did that very well.France vs Paraguay: World Cup round of 16France are in Philadelphia for the last 16 on Saturday to face Paraguay, who knocked four-time champions Germany out on penalties.We really mustnt think that its going to be easy, warned Gusto. They managed to eliminate Germany. We know they have a lot of quality, so its going to be up to us to stay focused and work as hard as possible to be able to get through.We dont feel invincible. It would be reckless to say that, but we have confidence on our side. We know tha the whole French public is behind us, too.World Cup 2026: When is France vs Paraguay?Heres when the game takes place in different territories. The winners will meet Canada or Morocco in the quarter-finals in Boston on July 9 (21:00 BST). Date Venue BST start time ET PT Sat, July 4 Lincoln Financial Field 22:00 17:00 14:00 Topics 2026 FIFA World Cup Didier Deschamps FIFA World Cup France National Football Team Kylian Mbapp Lionel Messi World Cup World Cup 2026 Add us as a preferred source on Google If you enjoy reading this article, you can help support our independent football journalism by adding 101 Great Goals as a preferred source You Should Also Read Tchouameni rallies France around Deschamps: We are going to try to give everything to make him as happy as possible Mitch Fretton 1st July, 2026 World Cup 2026 live: Mexico vs Ecuador confirmed teams and full line ups, TV channel, live online stream and stats Mitch Fretton 1st July, 2026 France 3-0 Sweden: Report, result and goals as brilliant Les Bleus breeze into last-16 Mitch Fretton 1st July, 2026 WATCH: Mbappes magic feet fires France ahead against Sweden Mitch Fretton 30th June, 2026 LIVE France v Sweden: Commentary, updates, goals and stats as Mbappe looks to propel Les Bleus into World Cup round of 16 Jon Fisher 30th June, 2026 World Cup 2026 live: France vs Sweden confirmed teams and full line ups, TV channel, live online stream and stats Jon Fisher 30th June, 2026
