Kylian Mbappe scores twice in France's victory over Sweden

Kylian Mbappe was hot on Lionel Messi's heels as the France sensation scored twice in a 3-0 win over Sweden, moving one goal behind the Argentina great in the World Cup goal charts. If Messi is the current king on the throne, then France's captain, the focal point of their formidable attack, is the heir apparent after leapfrogging Miroslav Klose in the all-time goalscoring charts with his double on June 30, 2026.

France's coach Didier Deschamps, back on the touchline following the tragic death of his mother the previous week, was beaming as his team cruised into the last 16 of the tournament. A heartwarming moment saw Mbappe embrace Deschamps after scoring his first goal of the match. Bradley Barcola replaced Desire Doue on the left side of the frontline and contributed with the second goal. Michael Olise registered two assists, bringing his tournament total to five.

As Sweden struggled to maintain their early pace, Mbappe capped off a routine win for France, putting them further above Argentina's Messi in the goal standings. The victory marked France's impressive record of scoring three or more goals in five consecutive World Cup matches.

At this stage, it seems inconceivable that they won't return to play in the final on July 19, likely facing Messi and Argentina in a rematch of the 2022 encounter. As Mbappe closes in on Messi's World Cup record, he anticipates the possibility of reclaiming the famous trophy from him.

Despite a slow start, it only took France about 20 minutes to settle into the rhythm of the game at MetLife Stadium, New Jersey. Sweden, which initially pressed with vigor, retreated as France's Mbappe, Olise, and Ousmane Dembele exploited gaps in the Swedish defense. An offside ruling denied Mbappe an early goal, followed by Rabiot being saved by the Swedish goalkeeper.

Within minutes, both Mbappe and Olise found the woodwork, with Olise's remarkable bicycle kick almost producing a spectacular goal. The pressure continued to mount, and in the 45th minute, Mbappe finally delivered, converting a chance after a clever exchange with Dembele.

Barcola soon extended the lead, sealing Sweden's fate well before Mbappe scored the final goal. While Messi carries Argentina in their World Cup journey, Mbappe shines brightly as the star in a talented French squad.