Mbappé Moves Within One Goal of Messi as France Cruise Past Sweden
Kylian Mbappe moved within a goal of Lionel Messi’s World Cup record in France’s 3-0 win over Sweden
Kylian Mbappé delivered another major World Cup statement as France powered past Sweden with a convincing 3-0 victory in New Jersey.
The France captain scored twice to move onto 18 World Cup goals, leaving him just one behind Lionel Messi’s all-time record. Messi may still be the man sitting on the throne, but Mbappé is now breathing heavily down his neck as the tournament moves deeper into the knockout rounds.
With Ousmane Dembele and Michael Olise, Mbappe is thriving in a devastating France attack
Sweden needed to produce the game of their lives but they faded rapidly after a spirited start
The night carried extra emotion for Didier Deschamps, who returned to the touchline after the tragic loss of his mother. Mbappé’s first goal was not only a moment of individual brilliance but also a touching gesture, as he immediately went over to embrace his manager after finding the net.
Sweden started with energy and tried to unsettle France in the opening stages, but their belief faded once Les Bleus found their rhythm. Mbappé had already seen a goal ruled out for offside before finally breaking the deadlock in the 45th minute with a sharp piece of skill and a composed finish inside the box.
France then took full control after the break. Michael Olise, one of the standout performers of the evening, produced a superb pass for Bradley Barcola to make it 2-0. Olise later added another assist, setting up Mbappé for his second goal and France’s third.
Olise was as delightful to watch as Mbappe in a comfortable victory for France in New Jersey
The attacking depth available to Deschamps looks frightening. With Mbappé, Olise, Ousmane Dembélé, Barcola and Désiré Doué all part of the picture, France appear to have the most explosive front line at the tournament.
Didier Deschamps had a smile on his face again after the tragic death of his mother last week
The win also created history. France became the first team to score three or more goals in five consecutive World Cup matches, underlining just how dangerous they have become at the perfect time.
For Mbappé, the record chase is now impossible to ignore. He is one goal away from matching Messi’s World Cup total and still has the chance to overtake the Argentina icon before the tournament is finished. If France and Argentina both keep winning, the final could become more than a battle for the trophy. It could become a showdown between the king and the heir to his crown.
