2026 World Cup: Kylian Mbappe scores twice as France breeze past Sweden into last 16

Kylian Mbappe’s historic double inspired France to a swaggering 3-0 win over Sweden that emphatically underlined their status as tournament favourites and set up a last-16 clash with surprise package Paraguay.

Mbappe was denied by the offside flag and the post before cutting inside from the left to net a superb strike on the brink of half-time to move clear of Miroslav Klose into second place in the all-time World Cup scoring charts with 17 goals, two behind leader Lionel Messi of Argentina.

Soaring temperatures in New Jersey were said to reach 36 degrees, but it was the sizzling display of the French attack that left the greatest impression as an inspired Michael Olise’s acrobatic scissor kick cannoned off the post before he slipped in Bradley Barcola to double the lead early in the second half.

The Bayern Munich star was at his creative best again for France’s third, putting a through ball on a plate for Mbappe to notch his tournament-best fifth assist.

The Real Madrid striker finished emphatically to complete his brace and move one goal behind Messi in the all-time charts but level with the Argentina great in the 2026 Golden Boot race with six goals apiece – albeit with the 39-year-old having played a game less.

France’s dazzling attacking display was a warning to their rivals for the trophy as they continued their bid for a third World Cup triumph with a fourth consecutive win at the tournament.

Should Les Bleus progress past Paraguay in the next round, they will meet either Morocco or Canada in the quarter-finals.

Portugal, Spain, Belgium and the United States are among the potential semi-final opponents for Didier Deschamps’ side, who were beaten on penalties by Argentina four years ago in one of the all-time great World Cup finals.