Image: from HARRY X @LoveTheLehsun2
By Open Chronicle News Desk with Agencies
France delivered another commanding performance at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, defeating Sweden 3,0 in the Round of 32 to secure a place in the Round of 16. Didier Deschamps’ star-studded side proved once again why they are considered among the tournament favourites, overwhelming Sweden with a display of pace, creativity, and attacking quality.
At MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, France controlled proceedings from the opening whistle. Sweden adopted a cautious, defensive approach, hoping to frustrate Les Bleus while looking for counterattacking opportunities through Viktor Gyökeres and Alexander Isak. However, the French attack, led by Kylian Mbappé, Michael Olise, Bradley Barcola and Ousmane Dembélé, eventually broke down the Scandinavian resistance.
France’s first warning arrived in the 20th minute when Mbappé found the net after a brilliant run, only for the goal to be ruled out for offside. The pressure continued to build, with Mbappé striking the post in the 32nd minute before Olise came within inches of scoring with an acrobatic bicycle kick that also crashed against the woodwork.
The breakthrough finally came just before halftime. In the 45th minute, Mbappé finished clinically to give France a deserved lead after a dominant first half in which they controlled 71 percent of possession and registered 15 shots compared to Sweden’s three.
France beat Sweden 3-0 to advance to the next round of the World Cup. In truth, the scoreline flattered the Swedes, as the French ran riot and hit the post a few times in what was an exhilarating attacking display.
Les Bleus’ opener came from (who else?) Kylian Mbappe, whose… pic.twitter.com/4bGHmx1vrC
— Marksmen Daily (@DailyMarksmen) July 1, 2026
The goal carried additional significance for the French captain. His fifth goal of the tournament moved him past Miroslav Klose as the second-highest scorer in FIFA World Cup history and established him as the leading scorer in knockout stage matches, surpassing Brazilian legends Leônidas and Ronaldo.
Any hopes of a Swedish comeback disappeared shortly after the restart. In the 53rd minute, Michael Olise surged through midfield before setting up Bradley Barcola, who calmly finished to double France’s advantage and score his second goal of the tournament.
France continued to dominate the second half, with Sweden unable to cope with the relentless pace of the French attack. Although Olise was denied a goal himself, he recorded his second assist of the evening in the 74th minute when Mbappé scored again to make it 3,0.
Mbappé’s sixth goal of the World Cup drew him level with Lionel Messi in the race for the tournament’s Golden Boot, while further underlining his status as one of the competition’s defining players.
Despite the scoreline, Swedish goalkeeper Jacob Zetterström prevented an even heavier defeat with an outstanding performance, making nine saves to keep the margin respectable.
France now advances to a highly anticipated Round of 16 clash against Paraguay in Philadelphia on Saturday. The South American side stunned Germany in one of the tournament’s biggest upsets, setting up a fascinating encounter that also revives memories of their meeting in the 1998 World Cup, where France began its historic march to its first World Cup title.
The winner of France versus Paraguay will face either Canada or Morocco in the quarterfinals on July 9.