Top 10 players with most FIFA World Cup knockout-stage goals

The 2026 FIFA World Cup has continued to produce record-breaking performances, with football’s biggest stars further cementing their legacies in the knockout rounds.

As the tournament moves into the high-stakes quarter-finals, France captain Kylian Mbappe has officially become the leading goalscorer in FIFA World Cup knockout-stage history.

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The Real Madrid forward set the new benchmark after another match-winning performance, taking his tally to 11 knockout-stage goals, more than any player in World Cup history, and reinforcing his status as one of football’s greatest performers on the biggest stage.

Brazilian legends Ronaldo Nazário and Leônidas da Silva are joint second with eight knockout goals each. France’s Just Fontaine, Brazil’s Vavá, Czechoslovakia’s Oldřich Nejedlý and Brazilian icon Pelé share fourth place with seven goals apiece.

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Portugal’s great Eusébio occupies eighth place with six goals, while Hungary legend György Sárosi and England’s Gary Lineker complete the top 10 with six goals each.

Top 10 players with the most FIFA World Cup knockout-stage goals:

Kylian Mbappe – 11 goals

Leônidas da Silva – 8 goals

Ronaldo Nazário – 8 goals

Just Fontaine – 7 goals

Vavá – 7 goals

Oldřich Nejedlý – 7 goals

Pelé – 7 goals

Eusébio – 6 goals

György Sárosi – 6 goals

Gary Lineker – 6 goals

With France still in contention for the 2026 FIFA World Cup title, Mbappé has the opportunity to extend his record even further as he continues his pursuit of football history.