Kylian Mbappé scored two goals Tuesday, leading France to a 3-0 victory over Sweden and continuing the team's perfect run in the World Cup. The win secured France's advancement to the Round of 16 and marked Mbappé's third multi-goal game of the tournament.
Mbappé opened the scoring just before halftime and added his sixth goal of the tournament in the 74th minute, moving him into sole possession of second place all-time for World Cup goals with 18. He now trails Lionel Messi by one goal for the all-time record.
"I don’t watch what Messi does. He has always scored, and he will always score," Mbappé said. "I just think about helping my team."
France set a World Cup record by winning three consecutive matches by at least three goals and scoring at least three goals in five straight games. The team's goal differential of plus-11 is also the tournament best. France last achieved three group stage wins in 1998.
Following their dominant performance, France will face Paraguay in Philadelphia on July 4. A potential quarterfinal match could pit them against Morocco or Canada. France is aiming to become the third team in World Cup history to reach three consecutive finals.
"I personally haven’t seen a better team," Swedish manager Graham Potter said. "We had to be perfect. And even if we were, I’m not sure it would’ve been enough."
Mbappé, who also scored twice in France's opening match at MetLife Stadium, faced frustration in the first half, including a disallowed goal for offside and a shot that hit the post. However, he broke through in the 45th minute with a skillful dribble past defenders.
"It is the DNA of this group," Mbappé said of his team's resilience. "We are all together... he knows that he will never be alone with us."
Manager Didier Deschamps, who returned after missing the previous game due to his mother's death, expressed pride in his captain. "He has been exemplary since Day 1. The collective strength [of this team] is above everything, and Kylian, the captain, is the best shining example."
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