Mbappé scores twice as France rout Sweden to reach last 16

France, one of the favorites to win the 2026 World Cup, cruised past Sweden to secure a place in the round of 16.

Powered by a brace from Kylian Mbappé, France defeated Sweden 3-0 on Tuesday at New York New Jersey Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey.

The two-time World Cup champions — winners in 1998 and 2018 — and runners-up at the 2022 Qatar tournament, France continued their bid to reclaim the title.

Having scored at least three goals in all four of their matches this tournament, France will next face Paraguay — who reached the round of 16 by upsetting Germany on penalties — on Saturday in a quarterfinal berth.

With captain Mbappé leading the attack and Bradley Barcola, Michael Olise and Ousmane Dembélé supporting behind him, France relentlessly targeted the Swedish goal.

Mbappé, who had been testing the goalkeeper throughout, broke the deadlock in the 45th minute, receiving a pass from Dembélé on the left flank and slotting a right-footed shot past the defense inside the penalty area.

France picked up where they left off after the break, with Barcola adding a second goal just eight minutes into the second half following a slick passing move. Mbappé then sealed the win with a third goal in the 74th minute, giving France complete control.

Mbappé converted an Olise through ball for his brace — his fifth and sixth goals of the tournament — drawing level with Lionel Messi of Argentina at the top of the scoring charts. The strike also brought Mbappé's World Cup career tally to 18 goals in 18 matches.

Olise, who assisted both Barcola's goal and Mbappé's second, moved into sole first place in the tournament assist standings with five. With the result secured, France made wholesale substitutions after the 75th minute to rest key players ahead of the round of 16.

France manager Didier Deschamps, who had missed the final group-stage match following the death of his mother, returned to the touchline to oversee the convincing victory.