Kylian Mbappe scored twice and Michael Olise dominated as France eased past Sweden 3-0 at MetLife Stadium to reach the World Cup round of 16.
France cruised into the World Cup round of 16 on Tuesday, dismantling Sweden 3-0 at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey behind a masterclass from their attacking stars.
Les Bleus controlled the tempo from the opening whistle, unlucky not to lead early after both Kylian Mbappe and Michael Olise struck the framework. Olise pulled the strings in midfield all evening, dictating play before Mbappe finally punctured the Swedish defense just before the interval, capping off a fluid team move to break the deadlock.
The night belonged to the French captain, whose second-half exploits reshaped the tournament’s statistical landscape. Mbappe’s brace takes his current tournament tally to six goals, pulling him level with Lionel Messi in the Golden Boot race.
More significantly, the 27-year-old forward has elevated his historical standing. With 18 career World Cup goals now to his name, Mbappe sits just one strike behind Messi’s all-time tournament record of 19.
Didier Deschamps’ side transitions seamlessly into the knockout phases, where a well-organized Paraguay awaits them in the last 16. On current form, containing France’s front line looks like a formidable task.