By Izuchukwu Okosi
Kylian Mbappe scored twice Tuesday night in France’s emphatic 3-0 win over Sweden to reach the round of 16 of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The France international of Cameroon descent has now scored six goals to match Lionel Messi on the top scorers’ list above Erling Haaland (five) and Vinicious Junior (four).
France dominated play for large spells of the first half but it was until the 45th minute that the 2018 world champions found the much needed goal.
Mbappe was released in a pocket of space by Michael Olise before finding the top right corner.
The Real Madrid star saw a goal chalked off for offside after that brilliant opener.
PSG forward Bradley Barcola made it 2-0 at the New York New Jersey Stadium when he finished with aplomb as he was found by the ever magical Nigerian-born Michael Olise.
Olise would have his 60th minute shot pushed away by Sweden goalkeeper Jacob Widell Zitterstrom while his subsequent overhead kick could only hit the woodwork.
Alexander Isak’s attempted pass to Viktor Gyokores at the six-yard box was cleared by Real Madrid bound Ibrahima Konate.
Mbappe then scored his brace and France’s third goal of the night in the 73rd minute when the duo of Ousmane Dembele and Michael Olise combined to find him.
Gyokores went close to finding the back of the net in the 87th minute but his shot was weak and was easily smothered by Mike Maighan in goal for France.
Second half substitute Juan Philippe Mateta wasted a great chance to make it 4-0 late in the game.
The French side will face Paraguay in the last 16. The Paraguayans beat Germany 4-3 on penalities Monday in one of the tournament’s upsets.
