By Abigail David
Kylian Mbappé scored twice as France national football team defeated Sweden national football team 3-0 to secure a place in the Round of 16 of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, while Norway and Mexico also booked their spots with knockout victories.
Mbappé opened the scoring just before halftime before Bradley Barcola doubled France’s lead early in the second half. The French captain completed his brace in the 74th minute, taking his tournament tally to six goals, level with Lionel Messi in the race for the Golden Boot. His 18th career World Cup goal also moved him closer to Messi’s all-time tournament record. France will face Paraguay national football team in the Round of 16.
Earlier, Erling Haaland scored a late winner as Norway national football team edged Ivory Coast national football team 2-1 to record the country’s first-ever World Cup knockout-stage victory. Haaland’s fifth goal of the tournament set up a last-16 clash with Brazil national football team.
Co-hosts Mexico national football team also progressed after defeating Ecuador national football team 2-0 at the Estadio Azteca. Goals from Julián Quiñones and Raúl Jiménez secured Mexico’s first World Cup knockout-stage victory since 1986 despite a one-hour weather delay before kickoff.
In another development, Ronald Koeman announced his resignation as coach of the Netherlands national football team following the team’s penalty shootout defeat to Morocco national football team in the Round of 32.
