Mbappé Double Leads France Past Sweden, Moves Within One of Messi

Kylian Mbappé further cemented his World Cup legacy with a brace as France cruised past Sweden 3-0 in their Round of 32 clash at New York New Jersey Stadium.

The France captain struck on the stroke of half-time and again in the 74th minute, taking his World Cup tally to 18 goals.

That moved him into outright second place on the all-time scoring charts, two clear of Miroslav Klose and just one behind Lionel Messi.

Bradley Barcola added France’s second goal early in the second half, ensuring Les Bleus maintained their perfect start to the tournament.

France’s attacking dominance was evident from the outset, unleashing 15 attempts before the interval.

Mbappé saw one effort ruled out for offside and rattled the woodwork with another, while Michael Olise’s spectacular overhead kick crashed against the frame of the goal.

The breakthrough came when Mbappé latched onto a short corner and unleashed a ferocious drive into the far corner.

After the restart, Olise slipped Barcola through for a composed finish, before Mbappé completed his brace with another clinical strike, again assisted by Olise.

Sweden goalkeeper Jacob Widell Zetterström produced several saves to keep the scoreline respectable, but France’s relentless pressure proved too much.

With his 18th World Cup goal, Mbappé also set a record for 10 knockout-round goals, underlining his status as one of the tournament’s greatest performers.

France will now face Paraguay in the Round of 16 at Philadelphia Stadium on July 4.