By Dwayne Ferreira.
France beat Sweden 3-0 as Kylian Mbappé scored twice, Bradley Barcola struck and Les Bleus moved into the World Cup last 16.
France beat Sweden 3-0 as Kylian Mbappé produced another World Cup masterclass, sending Les Bleus into the last 16 with a statement display. The victory also strengthened France’s image as one of the teams to beat in the tournament.
The round-of-32 clash at New York New Jersey Stadium opened with Sweden trying to slow the game down. Graham Potter’s side had reached the knockouts as one of the strongest third-placed teams. However, they now faced a French team playing with rhythm, speed and growing belief.
France Beat Sweden As Mbappé Sets The Tone
France controlled the early stages and quickly forced Sweden into deep defensive work. Mbappé looked dangerous from the start, drifting across the front line and pulling markers out of position. He forced a save with a long-range strike in the 16th minute, then put the ball in the net soon after. However, the flag went up for offside.
Sweden survived that spell, but they rarely looked settled. Alexander Isak and Viktor Gyökeres gave them a physical outlet up front. Meanwhile, Anthony Elanga tried to stretch France on the break. Still, the French midfield and defence shut down most counterattacks before they could gather pace.
The breakthrough arrived on the stroke of halftime. Ousmane Dembélé released Mbappé, who shifted inside and drove a right-footed finish beyond Jacob Widell Zetterström. For Sweden, the timing hurt badly after they had worked hard to keep the score level.
France came out after the interval with even more control. In the 53rd minute, Bradley Barcola made it 2-0, lifting a calm finish past the Swedish goalkeeper after another sharp attacking move. From there, Sweden chased shadows while France played with freedom and confidence.
Mbappé Brace Pushes Les Bleus Toward Paraguay
Mbappé struck again in the 74th minute after a clever through ball from Michael Olise. The France captain clipped his finish beyond the goalkeeper to complete his brace. The goal took his tournament tally to six and moved him to 18 career World Cup goals.
Didier Deschamps later withdrew Mbappé to a loud ovation, with the result already secure. The night also carried emotion for France, as the squad embraced their coach after his return to the touchline following his mother’s funeral.
Sweden leave the World Cup after meeting one of the most complete attacking performances of the knockout stage. They competed honestly, but France’s movement, pace and precision eventually proved too much.
France beat Sweden and now advance to face Paraguay in the round of 16 on July 4. With four wins from four matches, another clean sheet and another Mbappé statement, Les Bleus look built for the deepest stage of this World Cup.
MATCH SUMMARY
France 3
Kylian Mbappé 45’, 74’
Bradley Barcola 53’
Sweden 0
Result: France won 3-0
Player of the Match: Kylian Mbappé
Competition: FIFA World Cup 2026, Round of 32
Venue: New York New Jersey Stadium, East Rutherford, New Jersey
Next Fixture: Paraguay vs France, Round of 16, July 4
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