France booked their place in the 2026 FIFA World Cup last 16 with a commanding 3-0 victory over Sweden, inspired by a record-breaking performance from Kylian Mbappe.
The France captain scored once in each half to become the highest goalscorer in World Cup knockout history with 10 goals. His latest brace also moved him level with Lionel Messi on six goals in the race for the tournament’s Golden Boot.
Despite sweltering conditions in New Jersey, France dominated from the opening whistle. Mbappe had an early goal ruled out for offside and struck the post before finally breaking the deadlock just before half-time. He raced onto Ousmane Dembele’s pass, skipped past a defender and calmly finished into the far corner.
Sweden briefly threatened after the restart but failed to capitalise. France doubled their lead in the 53rd minute through Bradley Barcola, who fired home after an excellent pass from Michael Olise. Mbappe wrapped up the victory in the 74th minute with another composed finish after yet another assist from Olise.
The result sends Didier Deschamps’ side into the next round, where they will face Paraguay, who stunned Germany in a penalty shootout.
France’s convincing victory reinforces their status as title contenders, with Mbappe continuing to rewrite the World Cup record books.
