France powered into the World Cup last 16 with a commanding 3–0 victory over Sweden, led by a brilliant performance from Kylian Mbappé and a dazzling display from Michael Olise at the New York New Jersey Stadium in front of 80,663 fans.
Mbappé struck twice to seal the win and in the process drew level with Lionel Messi on six goals in the tournament’s Golden Boot race. The French captain now boasts 18 World Cup goals overall, just one shy of Messi’s all-time record of 19.
France were dominant from start to finish, repeatedly carving open a Swedish side that struggled to cope with the pace and movement of Didier Deschamps’ team. Mbappé himself twice came close early on, hitting the woodwork, while Olise also rattled the frame with an audacious overhead effort that summed up France’s attacking intent.
The breakthrough finally arrived just before half-time. After sustained pressure and a saved Olise effort, France recycled possession from the resulting corner, with Mbappé clinically finishing a flowing move to give Les Bleus the lead.
Sweden attempted to regroup after the break but were quickly undone again. Eight minutes into the second half, Olise slipped a perfectly weighted pass through the defence, allowing Bradley Barcola to smash home France’s second goal.
The Paris Saint-Germain winger, Paris Saint-Germain forward Bradley Barcola, made no mistake as France tightened their grip on the contest.
Olise continued to torment the Swedish defence and eventually provided the assist of the night, threading a precise ball through for Mbappé, who curled home his second goal to complete the scoring.
France national football team were in complete control throughout, with Ousmane Dembélé also showing flashes of his trademark flair and Adrien Rabiot dictating play in midfield. Jules Koundé was influential in the build-up phases from defence.
Sweden, meanwhile, offered little in response despite boasting attacking names such as Viktor Gyökeres, Alexander Isak and Anthony Elanga. The side struggled to retain possession and rarely threatened, leaving their tournament run to end after a promising qualification campaign via the playoffs.
Sweden national football team exit the competition having exceeded expectations to reach North America, but they were ultimately outclassed on the night.
There was also an emotional moment for France coach Didier Deschamps, who embraced Mbappé after the opener following a difficult personal period after travelling home for his mother’s funeral. The win ensures a fitting continuation of what is expected to be his final tournament in charge after 14 years at the helm.
Deschamps, who captained France to their 1998 World Cup triumph and later coached them to glory in 2018, now leads his side into a last-16 meeting with Paraguay national football team, recalling the 1998 edition when France also met the South Americans at the same stage.
France, however, will take significant confidence into that clash, with Mbappé in ruthless form, Olise growing in influence, and the team looking increasingly difficult to contain as the tournament progresses.
