Mbappe matches Messi’s World Cup tally as France edge Paraguay to set up Morocco clash
Kylian Mbappe moved level with Lionel Messi on seven goals at the 2026 World Cup as France booked their place in the quarter-finals with a narrow 1-0 victory over Paraguay in the round of 16. The result extends France’s strong showing at the tournament and sets up a high-profile meeting with Morocco in the next round.
A tight contest decided by a single goal
France, one of the pre-tournament favourites, were made to work hard by a disciplined Paraguay side that defended in depth and limited the reigning champions to few clear-cut opportunities. A solitary goal was enough to separate the two teams in a match that highlighted the fine margins typical of knockout football at World Cup level.
Mbappe’s contribution brought him alongside Argentina’s Lionel Messi at the top of the leading scorers’ chart for the tournament, with both forwards now sitting on seven goals. The French captain has been central to his team’s attacking play throughout the competition, combining pace, movement and finishing to trouble opposing defences on a consistent basis.
France set for Morocco showdown
The victory means Didier Deschamps’ side will face Morocco in the quarter-finals, a fixture that carries its own narrative given the growing influence of Moroccan-born players in European football and the Atlas Lions’ continued emergence as a competitive force on the global stage. France will enter the contest as favourites, but Morocco have already demonstrated their ability to upset established nations in previous tournaments.
Paraguay’s campaign ends with credit
For Paraguay, the defeat brings an end to a World Cup campaign in which they showed resilience and tactical organisation. While they were unable to find a way past the French defence, their run to the knockout stages represents progress for a nation outside the traditional powerhouses of South American football.
Attention now turns to the quarter-finals, where France will look to maintain momentum and Mbappe will hope to edge ahead of Messi in the race for the Golden Boot as the tournament enters its decisive phase.
Source: Al Jazeera — read the original report.
