France Cruise Into World Cup Last 16 as Mbappe Matches Messi with Stunning Brace
*This post contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, PC Master Deals earns from qualifying purchases.*
**France sent a statement to the rest of the 2026 World Cup field on Tuesday, dismantling Sweden 3-0 in New Jersey to book their spot in the Round of 16 — with Kylian Mbappe matching Lionel Messi’s tournament goal tally and Michael Olise delivering a midfield masterclass for the ages.**
—
Match Summary: France 3-0 Sweden
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| **Competition** | 2026 FIFA World Cup — Round of 32 |
| **Venue** | MetLife Stadium, East Rutherford, New Jersey |
| **Attendance** | 82,500 (sellout) |
| **Goals** | Mbappe 40′, Barcola 52′, Mbappe 75′ |
| **Man of the Match** | Michael Olise (9/10) |
| **France’s Next Match** | vs Paraguay (Round of 16) |
—
What Happened?
After a slow start, France clicked into gear midway through the first half. Mbappe had a goal ruled out for offside and hit the woodwork from close range before Olise produced the moment of the match — an audacious bicycle kick that smashed against the post.
The breakthrough came just before halftime. A well-worked corner routine involving Olise and Ousmane Dembele saw Mbappe skip past Viktor Gyokeres and rifle an unstoppable strike into the far corner.
France doubled their lead early in the second half when Olise — in breathtaking form — threaded a pass through a defender’s legs for Bradley Barcola, who lashed home a fine finish.
Mbappe sealed the win with 15 minutes remaining, again teed up by the omnipresent Olise, whose inch-perfect through-ball was buried with typical composure.
Michael Olise: The Rising Star
Playing in his first World Cup, the 24-year-old Bayern Munich star was simply unplayable. His stats tell the story:
- **2 assists** (both goals in the second half)
- **1 bicycle kick** that hit the post (would have been an all-time World Cup great goal)
- **Multiple chances created** from his roaming No. 10 role
- **9/10 rating** from Goal.com — the highest on the pitch
For US-based fans catching the action on FOX, Olise’s performance was reminiscent of prime Zlatan Ibrahimovic — the very man now entertaining audiences as a World Cup pundit on the same network.
Mbappe Matches Messi
With his brace, Mbappe joined Lionel Messi on six goals at this World Cup, putting both legends atop the Golden Boot race. The Real Madrid forward now has 15 World Cup goals in his career — already among the all-time greats at just 27 years old.
What’s Next?
France advances to face Paraguay in the Round of 16, where they’ll be clear favorites. Meanwhile, Sweden — led by Viktor Gyokeres and Alexander Isak — head home after a spirited but ultimately outclassed campaign.
World Cup Schedule — Upcoming Round of 32 Matches
| Matchup | Date | Time (ET) |
|---|---|---|
| USA vs Bosnia & Herzegovina | Wed, July 1 | 8:00 PM |
| Portugal vs Croatia | Wed, July 1 | 4:00 PM |
| England vs DR Congo | Thu, July 2 | TBD |
FAQ
**Where is the 2026 World Cup being held?**
The 2026 FIFA World Cup is co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico across 16 cities. The final will be played at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey on July 19, 2026.
**How is the tournament format different this year?**
The 2026 tournament expanded to 48 teams. The first round featured 16 groups of 3, followed by a new Round of 32 knockout stage — the format France just advanced through.
**Who is the Golden Boot favorite right now?**
Kylian Mbappe and Lionel Messi are tied on 6 goals each, making the race for the Golden Boot incredibly tight heading into the knockout rounds.
**Where can I watch World Cup 2026 matches?**
In the US, all matches are broadcast live on FOX and FS1, with streaming available on Fox Sports and FuboTV.
—
**Final Verdict:** France look ominous. With Olise pulling the strings and Mbappe in red-hot form, Deschamps’ side has the look of genuine champions. The USMNT faces Bosnia & Herzegovina on Wednesday — a must-watch for American fans.
**[Watch World Cup 2026 on FuboTV →](https://www.fubotv.com/)**
*Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, PC Master Deals earns from qualifying purchases.*