Kylian Mbappe scored twice as France thrashed Sweden 3-0 on Tuesday to secure a place in the Round of 16 at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.The French captain struck either side of a second-half goal from Bradley Barcola to guide Didier Deschamps’ side to a commanding win at New York New Jersey Stadium. The victory sets up a Round of 16 clash with Paraguay.
France controlled much of the match but did not break the deadlock until first-half stoppage time, when Mbappe collected a pass from Ousmane Dembele and produced a brilliant solo run to beat the Swedish defence and put Les Bleus 1-0 up.
France doubled their lead eight minutes into the second half through Barcola, who finished calmly after being set up by Michael Olise. Mbappe completed the scoring in the 74th minute, converting another precise delivery from Olise to register his second goal of the night and sixth of the tournament, drawing level with Lionel Messi atop the race for the Golden Boot.
Sweden struggled to contain France’s attack and created little despite late half-chances for Viktor Gyokeres. Goalkeeper Mike Maignan dealt comfortably with the few opportunities that came his way as France preserved a clean sheet.
Olise’s assist for Barcola’s goal took his tally to five for the tournament — the most by a player at a single World Cup since Germany’s Thomas Hassler recorded five assists in 1994.
The win reinforced France’s standing as one of the tournament favourites, while Sweden are eliminated after failing to find a response to the French attack.
