Who is the fastest in the World Cup? Jordan Bos leads the speed charts ahead of Kylian Mbappe and Erling Haaland

Australian Jordan Bos (5) (AP photo) Australia’s Jordan Bos has emerged as one of the surprise stars of the FIFA World Cup, with the flying full-back not only helping the Socceroos reach the knockout stages but also surpassing some of football’s biggest speedsters, including Kylian Mbappe and Erling Haaland.The 23-year-old will be back in the spotlight on Friday when Australia take on Mohamed Salah’s Egypt in the Round of 32 at Dallas Stadium, with both nations chasing their first-ever men’s World Cup knockout victory.The winner is likely to earn a blockbuster last-16 tie against defending champions Argentina, who are overwhelming favorites against tournament debutants Cabo Verde.

Bos sprints faster than Mbappe and Haaland

Bos announced himself on the global stage during Australia’s opening 2-0 win over Turkey, where FIFA data recorded his top speed at an astonishing 36.7 km/h (22.8 mph).This saw him outpace several of the tournament’s most feared forwards and defenders during the opening round of group stage matches, including France captain Kylian Mbappe, Norway forward Erling Haaland, Tottenham Hotspur defender Micky van de Ven and Uzbekistan centre-back Abdukodir Khusanov.Primarily an attacking left-back, Bos also showed his versatility by playing more forward on the right during Australia’s goalless draw with Paraguay, a result that secured the Socceroos a place in the knockout rounds behind co-hosts the United States.

Australia are chasing a historic breakthrough at the World Cup

Australia will now look to make history against Egypt, who also reached the round of 32 after finishing second in their group, highlighted by a historic 3-1 victory over New Zealand – the country’s first-ever FIFA World Cup victory.Neither nation has previously won a World Cup knockout game, guaranteeing one of them will break new ground in Texas.Bosa’s rapid rise mirrored Australia’s impressive campaign. After coming through Melbourne City’s academy, he joined Belgian club KVC Westerlo in 2023 for a then record transfer fee for a player leaving the Australian domestic league. Just two years later, Dutch giants Feyenoord signed him for €5m after two impressive seasons in Belgium.Despite growing speculation linking him with another lucrative move to one of Europe’s elite clubs, Bos remains solely focused on Australia’s World Cup mission.“I don’t worry too much about it or think about it too much,” Bos said. “I’m just living in the moment and trying to do the best for the country. Whatever happens, happens, but right now I don’t think about it at all.”