Mbappé buries Sweden as France roll into quarter-finals

France 3–0 Sweden, World Cup over

Sweden are out. France won the Round of 16 clash 3–0 at MetLife Stadium on Tuesday, and it was never really close (2) (3) (6). Kylian Mbappé scored twice. Bradley Barcola added the third. Your team did not find a way through the French backline, and the tournament ends in New Jersey.

Mbappé makes history at Sweden's expense

Those two goals were not just match-winners. Mbappé is now the all-time top scorer in World Cup knockout matches, a record he took against your team on Tuesday (8). France also climbed back to No. 1 in the FIFA rankings with the result (7).

Arsenal circling Barcola after Sweden display

Barcola's goal and overall performance against Sweden did not go unnoticed. Arsenal are expected to step up their interest in the PSG winger this week, with the display against your team acting as a fresh prompt (5).

Potter won't pick a favourite now

Graham Potter was asked if he would support another team after Sweden's elimination. He kept it blunt: "I don't support anyone" (4). No sentimentality. The focus shifts to what comes next.

Taha Ali: "The best month of my career"

Taha Ali returns to Malmö FF after the World Cup with his head high. He called the tournament "the best month of my career" (1). His contract is expiring, there is interest but no concrete bids, and he is uncertain for the Degerfors restart (1). A small bright spot in a tough exit.

Fan-reaktioner

Sweden fans are taking the loss with a mix of pride and gallows humour. One Arsenal supporter at MetLife admitted he felt lucky just to see the game live, and noted William Saliba looked untroubled all night. Over on r/soccer, a stat made the rounds: every team from Japan's World Cup group since 2018 has crashed out in the second round. Sweden and the Netherlands joined that list this year.