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Qatar News Agency reported that France advanced to the round of 16 at the 2026 FIFA World Cup after a 3-0 win over Sweden at the New York New Jersey Stadium. Kylian Mbappe opened the scoring in the 44th minute with a solo run that beat the Swedish defense. Bradley Barcola added the second goal in the 53rd minute before Mbappe completed his brace in the 73rd minute to seal the result.
ESPN reported that Mbappe’s two goals took his tally in the tournament to six which ties him with Lionel Messi for the lead in the Golden Boot race. The strikes also increased his career World Cup total to 18 placing him one behind Messi’s all-time record of 19 goals. Mbappe broke the record for most goals in World Cup knockout stages with the performance according to the network’s match analysis.
UEFA.com figures show that France topped Group I with a perfect nine points after scoring 10 goals and conceding only two across three matches. The side defeated Senegal 3-1 in its opener followed by a 3-0 win against Iraq and a 4-1 victory over Norway. Those results positioned the team as one of the strongest contenders entering the knockout phase.
Sweden advanced from Group F as one of the eight best third-placed teams after collecting four points from three games according to FIFA standings data. The side earned a 5-1 win over Tunisia but suffered a 5-1 loss to the Netherlands before drawing 1-1 with Japan. That record proved insufficient against a French team that maintained control for most of the June 30 encounter.
Qatar News Agency reported that France will next face Paraguay in the round of 16 after the South American side progressed following Germany’s penalty shootout elimination. The matchup pits the European leaders against a team that finished as runners-up in its own group. Preparations for the tie will focus on containing Mbappe’s attacking threat that has defined the tournament so far.
FOX Sports data places Mbappe as the outright leader in knockout-stage goals with 10 after his latest contributions. The forward has scored in each of France’s four matches at this World Cup building on his performances from the 2018 and 2022 editions. His current form has drawn comparisons to past standout campaigns in the competition’s history.
The result eliminated Sweden from the 2026 tournament according to post-match standings compiled by Yahoo Sports. All teams from Group F have now exited following the outcome which marked the first such group conclusion. France continues its campaign with momentum from a dominant display that highlighted its depth across the squad.
