​EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. — As Kylian Mbappé twirled and skipped off the pitch, Didier Deschamps could only bow in homage to his star. The France coach stood at the edge of the field, greeting Mbappé after he was subbed out in the 85th minute. When Mbappé approached, Deschamps bowed twice.
Mbappé has become almost inevitable. His two goals Tuesday, June 30, in France’s 3-0 World Cup round-of-32 win over Sweden, sparked a side that had trudged through a heat wave and an inefficient first half. The first goal was a right-footed rocket from just inside the six-yard box, and the second slid past the Swedish keeper in the 74th minute. It was another demonstration of his punctual mastery: it’s no longer a question of whether Mbappé will impact a match or score, but when and how.
Mbappé is tied for the tournament lead with six goals, and Tuesday marked his third brace in France’s four World Cup games. Les Bleus are more than Mbappé alone, though even a reporter after the game described France as a machine de guerre when he’s in this form. “In terms of the game, we had to be perfect, and even if we were, I’m not sure that would’ve been enough, if I’m brutally honest,” Sweden coach Graham Potter said.
Mbappé, 27, now has 18 career World Cup goals, one behind Lionel Messi’s all-time record of 19. Messi did it in 29 matches; Mbappé has reached 18 in far fewer. It seems almost inevitable that Mbappé will not only break the record but perhaps push it out of reach. Yet Mbappé remains focused on the present. When asked in Spanish about his pace toward the record, he replied, “I don’t think about it that way. Of course I know the stats and what people are saying — I watch TV, too — but I’m thinking only about how I can help my team, to be here once more on July 19 for the final.”
Mbappé’s brilliance lies in his versatility. He can beat defenses in multiple ways and across the pitch. Deschamps rotates his four attacking players to stress rival back lines and force mismatches, so defenders are continuously adjusting to Mbappé’s speed. He’s a technician on the ball, a blur in open space, and he unleashes shots with power, precision, and a sharp sense for staying onside. By drawing attention and gravity, Mbappé creates space for his teammates, even when he isn’t touching the ball.