Mbappé double sends France into World Cup last 16 with 3-0 win over Sweden
Kylian Mbappé struck twice and Bradley Barcola added a third as France overwhelmed Sweden 3-0 in New York to reach the knockout stage, where Paraguay await.
French dominance
France controlled the match from the outset, holding 71% possession and creating a stream of chances. Sweden’s compact low block, devised by manager Graham Potter, held for long spells but could not withstand the relentless pressure.
Early near-misses
Mbappé rattled the post in the 32nd minute and Michael Olise produced a bicycle kick that also struck the woodwork four minutes later. Alexander Isak twice went close for Sweden on the counter, but the breakthrough felt inevitable.
- Mbappé hits the post
- Olise bicycle kick hits the post
- Mbappé opens the scoring (1-0)
- Barcola doubles the lead (2-0)
- Mbappé completes his double (3-0)
Mbappé breaks deadlock
Just before half-time, Mbappé collected the ball from a corner, drove into the box and curled a diagonal finish past the goalkeeper. The goal, his 17th in World Cup finals, gave France a 1-0 lead at the break.
Second-half surge
Eight minutes after the restart, Barcola finished a move involving Olise to double the advantage. Mbappé then rounded off the scoring with his second of the night, taking his tournament tally to 18 and drawing level with Lionel Messi at the top of the scoring chart.
Round of 16 picture
France will face Paraguay in the last 16 after the South American side eliminated Germany on penalties. The match is another test for a squad that has yet to concede a goal in the knockout phase.
