World Cup 2026: Mbappé and Saibari Lead Top Round of 16 Goalscorer Selections

by Devesh Jaganath | by Devesh Jaganath

image World Cup 2026: Mbappé and Saibari Lead Top Round of 16 Goalscorer Selections
Tonight brings us a massive World Cup Round of 16 double-header. In the early kick-off, Morocco’s breakout star Ismael Saibari will look to continue his blistering form against Canada before tournament frontrunner Kylian Mbappe takes centre stage as powerhouse France aims to take down a gritty Paraguay.

Kylian Mbappé Aims to Shatter Paraguay’s Defensive Wall

Champions in 2018 and runners-up four years ago in Qatar, Les Bleus enter tonight's 2026 World Cup Round of 16 clash against a stubborn Paraguay as the clear favourite to progress to the quarter-finals. Check out our Paraguay vs France prediction for all our experts’ key insights. 

However, despite the odds being stacked in France’s favour, breaking down La Albirroja will not be an easy task. Gustavo Alfaro’s team’s success in this tournament has been built on a compact, deep-lying defensive block designed to choke space in the middle of the field. 

But can Paraguay keep Golden Boot frontrunner Kylian Mbappé quiet? 

The French captain has been in incredible form in this competition and terrorised backlines throughout the group stage and the Round of 32. He is currently second - only behind Lionel Messi - in the race for the Golden Boot, and looks completely unstoppable when running into open space. 

Here is how Mbappé has performed in the World Cup so far: 

  • Goals Scored: 6
  • Matches Played: 4
  • Assists: 2
  • Expected goals (xG): 2.88
  • Shots on Target: 13

Mbappé’s Incredible Career Milestones 

Mbappé is not just chasing a victory tonight; he is aiming to further cement his name in football immortality. At just 27 years old, his career numbers at World Cup level are already only rivalled by the greatest legends to ever feature on football’s grandest stage. 

  • World Cup Career Goals: 18 (tied with Messi for the most goals in World Cups)
  • Total International Goals: 54 for France
  • Top Speed Clocked: 38 km/h in the group stage, making him one of the fastest players in the tournament

Ismaël Saibari: Morocco's World Cup Breakout Star

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Morocco face a stern test tonight when they take on tournament co-hosts Canada. The Atlas Lions are one of only two African nations still standing in the competition, and you can find all the key insights for this match in our Morocco vs Canada prediction. 

Les Rouges play an aggressive, high-pressing game that pushes their defenders up the pitch. Morocco will likely aim to counter the high press by winning the ball deep and look to launch quick counter-attacks before Canada can scramble back into position. 

The focal point of Morocco’s lethal counter-attack is Ismaël Saibari. The Bayern Munich-bound forward has taken the 2026 World Cup by storm, turning himself into a household name over the past couple of weeks by finding the back of the net in each of his side’s group-stage matches. 

Saibari 2026 World Cup Stats Ahead of RO16

  • Goals Scored: 3
  • Matches Played: 4
  • Expected goals (xG): 1.74
  • Shots on Target: 3 (He has scored with every shot on target)

What makes Saibari such a nightmare for opposing defenders is his unique blend of attributes. Standing over 6 feet tall, he possesses the physical strength to hold up the ball, but he also has explosive acceleration, having clocked a top speed of 34.5 km/h in the group stage. 

While Saibari is the danger man for Morocco, keep an eye on Brahim Díaz. The Real Madrid attacker has been pulling the creative strings in the Atlas Lions’ midfield all tournament, and if Canada doubles up on Saibari, Díaz may be able to find pockets of space to exploit in advanced positions.