Memorable World Cup moments are often shaped by games like this. France delivered another impressive performance, asserting their dominance against a capable Swedish side. The brilliance of their attacking play and the exquisite quality of their goals may only be fully appreciated upon reflection.
Kylian Mbappé matched Lionel Messi in the golden boot race, netting two precise finishes. Michael Olise, who could have scored a hat-trick, instead registered two assists and showcased an exceptional performance that left spectators in awe at the New York-New Jersey stadium. At this point, it’s hard to envision any team surpassing Didier Deschamps’ squad, and there is a palpable sense that they have even more to offer.
On a sweltering afternoon in East Rutherford, the first half unfolded as an engaging contest, with Sweden eager to compete and armed with a solid strategy. Their counterattacks featured quick releases to Anthony Elanga or long passes to Viktor Gyökeres, both of whom aimed to involve Alexander Isak. The Liverpool striker found himself with two opportunities within the first 25 minutes, but thanks to vigilant defending from Dayot Upamecano and William Saliba, neither shot troubled Mike Maignan.
Sweden posed a genuine threat, exhibiting compact and courageous defending. France appeared to struggle initially, with their intricate build-up play failing to break through the Swedish defenses. Mbappé attempted long-range shots, reflecting his growing frustration. However, everything changed at the half-hour mark.
It’s difficult to pinpoint the catalyst, but perhaps it was Adrian Rabiot’s powerful drive that Jacob Widell Zetterström just managed to deflect around the post. From that moment on, France unleashed a barrage of opportunities, each more ambitious than the last, until finally, they broke through.
Mbappé had a shot that sailed over the bar, followed by another effort that struck the post from close range. On 35 minutes, Olise executed a stunning scissor kick that ricocheted off Zetterström’s right post and fell to Ousmane Dembelé, whose follow-up shot went well over. Olise nearly scored from 20 yards, forcing a corner with a shot that Zetterström parried away.
Dembelé took the corner and played a short pass to Olise, who returned it. Dembelé then quickly fed Mbappé, positioned just inside the box on the right, about six yards from goal. The angle seemed tight, and numerous defenders were in his path, but France’s relentless star assessed his closest opponent, Gyökeres, sidestepped him, and curled a shot past Zetterström in mere moments. By the time the Swedes realized what had transpired, the French players were already celebrating in a group hug with Deschamps.
Before halftime, Sweden managed to penetrate the French defense, with Elanga reaching the byline. He delivered a promising pass, but Jules Koundé intercepted it ahead of Gyökeres, and Elliot Stroud sent the follow-up shot soaring over the bar.
Eight minutes into the second half, France extended their lead. After the Swedes effectively stifled a French passing sequence, they quickly surrendered possession. Aurelién Tchouaméni seized the opportunity, delivering a precise pass to Olise, who executed another moment of brilliance. He threaded a perfectly weighted ball between the Swedish center-back and full-back, allowing Bradley Barcola to stride into the box and hammer the ball into the roof of the net.
In the second half, Olise was in outstanding form. He roamed the forward line, dropped deep, and made runs beyond, constantly seeking the ball to create danger. Near the hour mark, he unleashed another shot from over 20 yards that forced a sprawling save from Zetterström. Equally impressive was a passing triangle involving himself, Rabiot, and Koundé on the halfway line, which lasted for a minute with passes executed with precision and skill. It was mesmerizing.
With 15 minutes left, Olise secured his second assist of the match, while Mbappé scored his second goal. This exquisite play, showcasing a level of artistry rarely seen in this tournament, featured another subtle pass from Olise, a perfectly timed run from Mbappé, and a repeat finish that curled into the far corner of the net. It was hard to suppress an involuntary “ooh la la.”
- World Cup 2026
- France
- Sweden
- Kylian Mbappé
- World Cup
- match reports
