Kylian Mbappe made FIFA World Cup history with another dazzling display as France defeated Sweden 3-0 to book their place in the Round of 16 of the FIFA 2026 World Cup and set up a showdown with Paraguay.

The France captain scored twice at MetLife Stadium to become the all-time leading goalscorer in FIFA World Cup knockout matches, further cementing his legacy on football’s biggest stage.

Read Also: World Cup 2026: Kylian Mbappe becomes France’s all-time top scorer

Bradley Barcola added the other goal as Didier Deschamps’ side produced a commanding performance to underline their credentials as one of the favourites for the title.

Mbappe makes more World Cup history

Mbappe opened the scoring just before half-time, finishing a flowing move after being played through by Michael Olise in front of 80,663 spectators in New Jersey.

France had already struck the woodwork twice through Mbappé and Olise before finally breaking the deadlock.

The French dominated possession and created chance after chance against a Swedish side that struggled to cope with their pace, movement and attacking quality.

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Barcola doubled the advantage eight minutes after the restart, converting another superb assist from Olise before the Bayern Munich forward turned provider again for Mbappé to score his second and seal a comfortable victory.

The brace was Mbappe’s third in four matches at the 2026 World Cup and moved him level with Lionel Messi on six goals in the race for the Golden Boot.

Closing in on Messi’s overall World Cup record

Mbappe’s latest double also took his overall FIFA World Cup tally to 18 goals, leaving him just one behind Messi’s all-time record of 19.

At just 27, the French captain remains on course to surpass the Argentine legend’s mark as France continue their quest for a third World Cup title.

France to face Paraguay

Les Bleus will now take on Paraguay in the Round of 16 on July 4 in Philadelphia after the South Americans stunned four-time champions Germany in a penalty shootout.

With Mbappe in scintillating form and France firing on all cylinders, Didier Deschamps’ men head into the knockout stages as one of the strongest contenders to lift the FIFA 2026 World Cup trophy.

Head of Sports at BusinessDay Media, a seasoned Digital Content Producer, and FIFA/CAF Accredited Journalist with over a decade of sports reporting.Has a deep understanding of the Nigerian and global sports landscape and skills in delivering comprehensive and insightful sports content.

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