Mbappe double sends France through and into the history books

France beat Sweden 3-0 at MetLife Stadium, a Kylian Mbappe brace lifting the captain to 18 career World Cup goals — second all-time, one behind Messi — and a record 10 knockout-stage goals, clear of Leonidas and Ronaldo. Ruthless and fluent, Les Bleus became the first side ever to score three or more in five consecutive World Cup matches, and they advance in formidable shape.

How it unfolded: Mbappe, Barcola, Mbappe

Mbappe struck on 45 minutes, curling in from a short corner after a Dembele pass. Bradley Barcola made it two on 53, thumping home after an Olise nutmeg on Lagerbielke. Mbappe completed his brace on 74, running onto an Olise through-ball and lifting it over the keeper — his third brace in four matches, with Dembele and Mbappe combining for six goals in this run.

Records tumble, and an emotional return

Mbappe drew level with Messi on six goals this tournament, blowing the Golden Boot race open, while his 10th knockout goal set a landmark. Olise notched a fifth assist — the most at a World Cup since Hassler in 1994. Didier Deschamps, back on the touchline after his mother's funeral, bowed to Mbappe at his substitution. Sweden suffered their earliest exit since 1990, Isak, Gyokeres and Elanga all misfiring.

The next step: France meet Paraguay

France advance to a Round of 16 tie with Paraguay on July 5 at Lincoln Financial Field; Sweden exit at the Round of 32. Our forecast of a France win landed emphatically in a 3-0 rout, as Les Bleus underlined their status as one of the tournament's most dangerous sides.