Kylian Mbappe scored twice as France swept past Sweden 3-0 at the New York New Jersey Stadium to book a last-16 meeting with Paraguay – extending their remarkable run of scoring three goals in five consecutive World Cup matches, a tournament first.
Didier Deschamps’ side hit the post twice in a first half they started slowly, before Mbappe broke the deadlock with a moment of brilliance shortly before the interval. The French captain then turned provider in the second period, as Michael Olise elegantly slid Bradley Barcola through for Les Bleus’ second goal. Olise then delivered a slide-rule pass for Mbappe to put the game to bed, drawing the Real Madrid star level with Lionel Messi on seven goals in the Golden Boot race.
“Kylian Mbappe scores twice as France beat Sweden 3-0, setting up a World Cup last-16 clash with Paraguay.”
The win was a poignant one for Deschamps, who returned to the touchline after travelling back to France last week following the death of his mother. His side now face Paraguay in Philadelphia on Saturday, wary of a South American side that beat Germany on penalties to reach the last 16.
For Sweden, the tournament ends after a remarkable journey. Graham Potter’s team failed to win any of their six qualifying games, but earned a backdoor route via the 2024 Nations League, beating Ukraine 3-1 in Spain before a thrilling 5-1 playoff win against Poland. In the group stage, they thrashed Tunisia 5-1, lost 5-1 to the Netherlands, and drew 1-1 with Japan, scraping through as one of the best third-placed teams. Their run may have ended, but they exceeded expectations.