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Mbappé's Brace Powers France 3-0, Nears Messi Record

7/1/2026

27 4 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

Kylian Mbappé scored twice as France beat Sweden 3-0 in East Rutherford, New Jersey, raising his World Cup total to 18 goals, one behind Lionel Messi’s record.
Didier Deschamps said the team showed unity after his mother’s funeral.
Michael Olise delivered two assists.
France will meet Paraguay in the next round.
The victory restored France to the top of the FIFA men’s rankings, ahead of Argentina.

History

Historical Context

On 12 July 1998, France won its first FIFA World Cup, beating Brazil 3-0 at the Stade de France with two Zidane headers and a Petit strike. The triumph sparked a football culture that produced stars such as Kylian Mbappé, who now has 18 World Cup goals after scoring twice today. The 1998 win made France one of six nations with multiple titles.

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Story summary

Kylian Mbappé scored twice as France beat Sweden 3-0 in East Rutherford, New Jersey, raising his World Cup total to 18 goals, one behind Lionel Messi’s record.
Didier Deschamps said the team showed unity after his mother’s funeral.
Michael Olise delivered two assists.
France will meet Paraguay in the next round.
The victory restored France to the top of the FIFA men’s rankings, ahead of Argentina.

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