World Cup 2026: Mbappe matches Messi’s goal tally as race for golden boot intensifies
France produced another outstanding performance to defeat Sweden 3-0 and secure a place in the World Cup last 16, with Kylian Mbappe scoring twice to draw level with Lionel Messi in the race for the tournament’s Golden Boot.
Les Bleus dominated Tuesday’s Round of 32 encounter at New York New Jersey Stadium, controlling possession and creating the better chances throughout before setting up a last-16 meeting with Paraguay.
Mbappe opened the scoring just before half-time before Bradley Barcola doubled France’s advantage early in the second half.
The France captain completed the victory with his second goal of the night after another impressive assist from Michael Olise.
The brace took Mbappe’s tally to six goals at the tournament, matching Argentina captain Messi at the top of the scoring chart.
It also moved the 27-year-old to 18 World Cup goals overall, leaving him one behind Messi’s all-time record of 19.
Mbappe and Olise inspire France
France threatened from the opening stages and thought they had taken the lead after 20 minutes when Mbappe finished an Olise pass, only for the goal to be ruled out for offside.
The French continued to pile on the pressure, with Mbappe striking the post before Olise rattled the woodwork with an acrobatic overhead effort. Ousmane Dembele also came close but failed to convert the rebound.
The breakthrough finally arrived on the stroke of half-time. Following a short corner routine involving Dembele and Olise, Mbappe found space inside the penalty area before firing past goalkeeper Jacob Widell Zetterstrom.
Olise was again at the heart of France’s attacking play after the restart, threading a precise pass to Barcola, who fired home in the 53rd minute to double the lead.
The Bayern Munich midfielder later provided another defence-splitting pass for Mbappe, who curled home France’s third goal in the 74th minute.
Paraguay next for Les Bleus
Mbappe celebrated his opening goal by embracing coach Didier Deschamps, who recently returned to the squad after travelling to France for his mother’s funeral.
Deschamps, who will leave his position after the tournament, remains on course to end his 14-year reign on a high after guiding France comfortably into the next round.
Sweden, led by Graham Potter, struggled to trouble the French defence despite boasting attacking talents such as Viktor Gyokeres, Alexander Isak and Anthony Elanga.
France will face Paraguay in the last 16 on Saturday, with another victory taking them a step closer to a third World Cup title.