France manager Didier Deschamps paid tribute to captain Kylian Mbappé after his match-winning display in France’s 3-0 victory over Sweden in the 2026 FIFA World Cup Round of 32.
Deschamps applauded and bowed to Mbappé as he was substituted after scoring twice, a gesture that reflected the forward’s influence on the team. Mbappé set a new record as the all-time leading scorer in FIFA World Cup knockout matches with 10 goals, became Europe’s highest World Cup scorer and was named FIFA’s Superior Player of the Match.
France dominated despite difficult heat conditions. Mbappé had an early goal disallowed for offside and later struck the post, while Michael Olise hit the crossbar before France took the lead just before halftime through Mbappé after an assist from Ousmane Dembélé.
Bradley Barcola doubled the advantage in the 53rd minute from an Olise assist before Mbappé completed the scoring with a curling finish in the 74th minute. Mike Maignan preserved the clean sheet with a late save.
France will face Paraguay in the Round of 16 in Philadelphia on July 4 after Paraguay eliminated Germany on penalties. Mbappé’s six tournament goals have drawn him level with Lionel Messi in the Golden Boot race.
