Kylian Mbappe scored twice as France cruised past Sweden 3-0 at New York New Jersey Stadium to book their place in the World Cup round of 16, where th
Kylian Mbappe scored twice as France cruised past Sweden 3-0 at New York New Jersey Stadium to book their place in the World Cup round of 16, where they will face Paraguay in Philadelphia on Saturday.
Mbappe broke the deadlock just before half-time, finishing clinically after a well-worked short corner routine. He had earlier seen a goal chalked off for offside after converting a through ball from Michael Olise, who was again at the heart of everything France created going forward.
Bradley Barcola doubled the lead early in the second half, latching onto another Olise pass before finishing coolly into the top corner.
Mbappe then completed the rout 16 minutes from time, curling home after Olise threaded a pass through the Swedish defence, finishing off a move reminiscent of France’s great forwards of the past.
The brace took Mbappe’s tally for the tournament to six goals, drawing him level with Argentina’s Lionel Messi at the top of the World Cup 2026 scoring charts.
It was also his ninth goal in nine career World Cup knockout matches, moving him ahead of Brazilian legends Ronaldo and Leonidas for the most knockout-stage goals in the competition’s history.
Sweden, managed by English coach, Graham Potter, offered little going forward despite the attacking talents of Alexander Isak and Viktor Gyokeres, managing only two shots on target throughout the match.
Their best chance came late on when Gyokeres fired straight at France goalkeeper Mike Maignan. The result brings an early end to Sweden’s campaign, marking their earliest World Cup exit since 1990.
France, unbeaten and dominant throughout the group stage after wins over Senegal, Iraq and Norway, now stand as strong favourites to go all the way to the final, set for July 19 at the same New Jersey venue.
Head coach Didier Deschamps returned to the touchline for the match after the death of his mother.
COMMENTS