Mbappe Sinks Sweden to Send France Into the Last 16

Sport

By lines

June 30, 2026

Kylian Mbappe lit up the World Cup again as France beat Sweden 2-0 in the Round of 32. France advanced to the Round of 16 at New York/New Jersey Stadium. Mbappe scored in the 45th minute. Bradley Barcola sealed the win in the 53rd minute.

Mbappe Powers France Past Sweden Into the Last 16

Mbappe opened the scoring in the 45th minute off a short corner routine. Bradley Barcola added France’s second goal in the 53rd minute. Michael Olise slipped Barcola through, the pass sliding past Victor Lindelof. France held command at New York/New Jersey Stadium across both halves. Sweden failed to score against France over the full 90 minutes. France carried the 2-0 lead through to the final whistle.

Mbappe has scored 4 goals at the 2026 World Cup, second only to Lionel Messi’s 6. Mbappe now sits second on the all-time World Cup scoring list, behind Messi’s 19 goals. Mbappe also stands as France’s all-time leading scorer in World Cup play. Sweden carried 30-to-1 odds to advance once France led 2-0.

France advanced from Group I, which included Norway, Senegal, and Iraq. France beat Norway 4-1 during the group stage in 2026. Ousmane Dembele and Michael Olise support Mbappe across France’s front line. Mbappe leads France with 4 goals through four matches at the 2026 World Cup.

The 2026 World Cup expanded to 48 teams across the United States, Canada, and Mexico. The Round of 32 is a new knockout stage within that larger 2026 format. France reached the Round of 16 with the 2-0 win over Sweden. New York/New Jersey Stadium hosts several knockout matches at the 2026 World Cup.

Mbappe owns a deep World Cup pedigree with France. Mbappe scored in the 2018 final as France won the title. Mbappe then produced a hat trick in the 2022 final against Argentina. France lost that 2022 final to Lionel Messi’s Argentina on penalties.

France next face Paraguay in the Round of 16. France entered the 2026 World Cup as the betting favorite to win. France carried roughly 28% implied probability at sportsbooks. A win over Paraguay would move France within two matches of the final. France have won the World Cup twice, in 1998 and 2018.

France meet Paraguay with a clean sheet and momentum behind them. Paraguay reached the Round of 16 from the opposite side of the bracket. Mbappe will chase Messi’s tournament lead of 6 goals in the next round. France will pursue a third World Cup title in the 2026 tournament.