The France national team secured their fourth victory at the 2026 FIFA World Cup with a confident 3-0 win over Sweden in the Round of 16. Under the guidance of Didier Deschamps, the French side dominated the match, marking perhaps the first knockout game in this tournament where the opposition had virtually no chance of success.
The opening stages saw both teams attempting to impose their style of play, but France quickly shifted gears and began creating dangerous opportunities against Zetterstrem’s goal. The Scandinavians initially enjoyed some luck. In the 32nd minute, Kylian Mbappe fired a shot that struck the post with no defender contesting him. Four minutes later, Michael Olise produced a spectacular overhead kick that rattled the frame of the goal, and Usman Dembele followed up with a rebound effort that narrowly missed the far post.
However, just before halftime, a perfectly executed corner routine culminated in Mbappe delivering a precise strike into the far corner to open the scoring at 45 minutes.
The second half was controlled by Deschamps’ men, who quickly put the result beyond doubt. In the 53rd minute, Olise played a brilliant pass through the defender’s legs to set up Bradley Barcola one-on-one, and Barcola calmly converted the chance. Then, in the 74th minute, Olise recorded another assist by threading a pass to Mbappe, who coolly lifted the ball over the goalkeeper into the far corner to make it 3-0. Late in the game, Viktor Djokeresh had a chance to score a consolation goal, but the French goalkeeper made a crucial save, deflecting his powerful shot for a corner.
France has now built up strong momentum as they advance to the Round of 16, where they will face Paraguay.
2026 FIFA World Cup
France 3-0 Sweden (1-0)
Goals: Mbappe 45 (1-0); Barcola B. 53 (2-0); Mbappe 74 (3-0)
