France booked their place in the FIFA World Cup Round of 16 with a commanding 3-0 victory over Sweden, powered by another outstanding performance from captain Kylian Mbappé.
Mbappé opened the scoring on the stroke of halftime before Bradley Barcola doubled France’s advantage early in the second half. The French skipper completed his brace in the 74th minute to seal a comfortable victory and continue Les Bleus’ march toward another World Cup title.
The victory sets up a Round of 16 clash against Paraguay on 4 July in Philadelphia after the South Americans produced one of the tournament’s biggest shocks by eliminating Germany in a dramatic penalty shootout.
Mbappé’s latest double takes his tally to six goals at the tournament, drawing him level with Lionel Messi atop the Golden Boot standings.
The France captain also reached another historic milestone. His latest strike gave him nine career World Cup knockout-stage goals, moving him ahead of Brazilian great Ronaldo Nazário’s previous record of eight and making him the most prolific goalscorer in FIFA World Cup knockout history.
Sweden’s attacking duo Viktor Gyökeres and Alexander Isak were unable to trouble one of the tournament’s strongest defensive units as France controlled possession and limited clear-cut opportunities throughout the contest.
France, among the pre-tournament favourites, now advance with growing momentum and remain unbeaten as they prepare to meet a confident Paraguay side seeking another upset after their memorable elimination of four-time champions Germany.