Mbappe's sixth goal of the tournament drives France into World Cup last 16 with 3-0 rout of Sweden

France swept into the World Cup last 16 with a commanding 3-0 victory over Sweden, powered by another Kylian Mbappe brace and a Bradley Barcola goal that underlined Didier Deschamps’ side as genuine contenders for the title at MetLife Stadium.

Mbappe’s double — his sixth and seventh goals of the tournament — takes his World Cup tally to 18, moving him to within one of Lionel Messi’s all-time record. It was his third brace of the competition and his fourth goal at MetLife, a venue he appears to treat as a personal stage.

Michael Olise was the architect throughout, denied a goal of the tournament contender when his acrobatic volley was kept out by Jacob Widell Zetterstrom, yet his surgical passing repeatedly carved Sweden open. France’s third goal arrived in the manner that has become their signature: a glorious Olise through-ball, a trademark Mbappe finish.

Barcola completed the front four and contributed more than pace, finishing with the composure that has made him one of the tournament’s standout wide players. Deschamps, who also had Desire Doue available from the bench, is operating with an embarrassment of attacking riches.

The victory continues a remarkable run for Mbappe in major tournaments. In the space of eight days, Miroslav Klose has been displaced from second place on the all-time World Cup scoring list — first by Mbappe himself, and now Mbappe is closing in on Messi at the summit.

For Deschamps, the performance was a personal vindication. Criticised for France’s cautious approach at Euro 2024, he has shed that pragmatism — or perhaps redefined it — by unleashing his attackers with a freedom that has produced some of the most compelling football of the tournament. His captain greeted him with a hug at the final whistle, a moment that captured the mood of a squad playing with confidence and cohesion.

France are now through to the last 16 and, if this form continues, on course for a third consecutive World Cup final.