Mbappe sets World Cup pace record as Haaland features in fastest players list

Kylian Mbappe recorded the highest top speed of the World Cup in the United States, Mexico and Canada, capping a tournament in which he also finished as leading scorer and became the competition’s all-time top marksman – despite France failing to lift the trophy.

The France forward ended the finals with 10 goals, enough to secure the Golden Boot, and moved past Lionel Messi as the World Cup’s record scorer by taking his overall tally in the tournament to 22.

France’s campaign, however, ended in disappointment on the pitch. Didier Deschamps’ side were beaten 2-0 by Spain in the semi-finals, before losing 6-4 to England in the third-place play-off.

Spain went on to complete the job, defeating Argentina 1-0 in the final thanks to a goal from Ferran Torres.

Mbappe leads World Cup speed rankings

Away from goals and records, Mbappe also topped a notable physical metric.

The 25-year-old registered the fastest sprint of the tournament at 37.61km/h, putting him top of FIFA’s list of the quickest players at the World Cup.

He finished ahead of Sweden’s Anthony Elanga, who reached 37.16km/h to claim second place, while Netherlands defender Micky van de Ven was third with a top speed of 36.77km/h.

Australia’s Jordan Bos placed fourth after being clocked at 36.67km/h.

Manchester City striker Erling Haaland, representing Norway at the finals, was also prominent in the standings, ranking fifth with a recorded speed of 36.52km/h.

France heavily represented among quickest players

France’s overall pace across the squad was underlined by the presence of three of their players in the top 10.

In addition to Mbappe’s table-topping figure, Bradley Barcola was listed seventh, having been measured at 36.32km/h.

Theo Hernandez also featured among the leading sprinters. The left-back took ninth place after being recorded at 36.17km/h.

The compilation of the World Cup speed chart highlighted the mix of attacking and defensive players among the quickest at the tournament, with forwards such as Mbappe and Haaland joined by full-backs and centre-backs including Van de Ven and Bos.

While Mbappe and France missed out on the world title, the Paris-born striker leaves the tournament with a series of personal landmarks: top scorer at these finals, the World Cup’s record goal tally and, now, the highest registered sprint speed of the competition.