France booked their place in the 2026 FIFA World Cup last 16 with a stunning 3-0 victory over Sweden, inspired by a record-breaking performance from captain Kylian Mbappe.
The France forward scored in each half at New York New Jersey Stadium to become the highest goalscorer in World Cup knockout history with 10 goals. His brace also took him level with Lionel Messi on six goals in the race for the tournament’s Golden Boot.
Mbappe leads France’s dominant display
France controlled much of the contest despite the challenging heat in New Jersey. Mbappe thought he had opened the scoring midway through the first half, but the effort was ruled out for offside.
The striker then struck the post before Michael Olise rattled the upright with an acrobatic effort, while Ousmane Dembele failed to convert the rebound.
Sweden goalkeeper Jacob Widell Zetterstrom produced several important saves to keep his side in the match, but France eventually found the breakthrough just before half-time.
Mbappe latched onto a precise through ball from Dembele, beat his marker with a stepover and calmly slotted into the far corner to hand Didier Deschamps’ side a deserved lead.
Sweden struggle as France set up Paraguay clash
Sweden nearly responded immediately after the restart, but Elliot Stroud fired over from close range.
France doubled their advantage in the 53rd minute when Bradley Barcola collected a clever pass from Olise before drilling a powerful finish beyond the goalkeeper.
Dembele and Olise both came close to extending the lead before Mbappe wrapped up the victory in the 74th minute. The Real Madrid star finished confidently after another incisive assist from Olise.
Sweden’s best late opportunity fell to Viktor Gyokeres, but the striker was denied by France goalkeeper Mike Maignan.
The comfortable victory sends France into the last 16, where they will face Paraguay after the South Americans stunned Germany in a penalty shootout.
Les Bleus remain among the favourites to lift the World Cup after maintaining their impressive form in the knockout stage.
