New York/New Jersey Stadium hosted the 2026 FIFA World Cup Round of 32 clash between France and Sweden, with Les Bleus securing a comfortable 3-0 victory to book their place in the Round of 16.
Many expected France to dominate from the opening whistle, but it was Sweden who created the better early chances and refused to surrender possession easily. As the half progressed, however, France gradually took control and found the back of the net in the 20th minute, only for Kylian Mbappé's effort to be ruled out for offside.
Adrien Rabiot tested Sweden goalkeeper Jacob Zetterström in the 30th minute, but the shot-stopper produced a fine save with his left foot. Two minutes later, Mbappé was denied by the woodwork, while Michael Olise also struck the post with an acrobatic overhead kick in the 35th minute. Ousmane Dembélé then failed to convert the rebound, leaving France frustrated.
Just before halftime, Zetterström pushed Olise's low drive behind for a corner, but France finally made the breakthrough from the resulting set piece. Mbappé curled a superb effort into the corner in the 45th minute, ending France's run of bad luck and giving his side a deserved 1-0 lead at the break.
France began the second half with even greater intensity and doubled their advantage in the 53rd minute. Bradley Barcola finished brilliantly after a superb through ball from Olise to make it 2-0.
Olise, one of France's standout performers, came close to scoring himself in the 71st minute but failed to convert a one-on-one opportunity. Three minutes later, however, he registered his second assist of the match, setting up Mbappé for his second goal and France's third.
Sweden had little response in the closing stages, accepting both defeat and elimination as France comfortably saw out the match.
France will face surprise package Paraguay in the 2026 FIFA World Cup Round of 16 on 4th July.
