FIFA World Cup: Mbappe’s Brace in Commanding French Win, Halland’s Last Minute Goal for Norway

On the day captain Kylian Mbappe inscribed his name in the record books as the player with the most goals in FIFA World Cup knockout stages, France secured a commanding 3–0 victory over Sweden.

With the win at MetLife Stadium on Wednesday morning, France confirmed Round of 16 clash against Paraguay. Mbappe scored twice.

This was France’s biggest knockout-stage win since defeating Brazil 3–0 in the 1998 final on home soil to lift their maiden title.

In the 45th minute, Mbappe dribbled past Viktor Gyökeres inside the penalty box and fired a right-footed shot to the far post, beating goalkeeper Jakob Jeterström.

For the Real Madrid star, it was his ninth goal in World Cup knockout stages, equaling the record held by Brazilian legends Leonidas and Ronaldo Nazário.

France’s second goal, finished by Bradley Barcola, came in the 53rd minute with a powerful strike.

Olise also assisted Mbappé’s second and France’s third goal in the 74th minute, a classy finish to the far post. With this, Mbappé matched Lionel Messi in the Golden Boot race, though Messi has played one game fewer.

Meanwhile, in Dallas on Tuesday night, Erling Haaland’s decisive goal four minutes before full time gave Norway a 2–1 win over Ivory Coast, securing their Round of 16 clash against Brazil.

The Manchester City forward had been rested in the final group game against France in Boston, but his scoring streak continued for a third consecutive match. With five goals, Haaland is now just one behind Messi in the Golden Boot race.

This was Haaland’s 25th goal in his last 13 international matches, having scored in every game since October 2024.

Norway took the lead in the 39th minute through RB Leipzig winger Antonio Nusa, whose curling shot from inside the box beat goalkeeper Yahia Fofana into the top corner.

Ivory Coast equalized in the 74th minute with a brilliant solo goal from Manchester United winger Amad Diallo.

But Haaland once again stole the spotlight, calmly tapping in Patrick Berg’s pass from the right side for the winner.

The pre-quarterfinal against Brazil will be played at MetLife Stadium on July 5 at 1:45 AM Nepal time.

Mexico become the second co-hosts to book their place in the round of 16, ending a 40-year wait for a victory in the knockout stages with a 2-0 win over Ecuador at Mexico City Stadium.

After failing to hit the back of the net in the opening quarter-hour despite gilt-edged chances for both Mora and Jimenez, El Tri rode their luck, as Yeboah sent a close-range effort off the woodwork, before capitalising on their fortune to take the lead 22 minutes in, through Quinones’ powerful finish.

Nine minutes later, with the hydration break in between, Jimenez made amends for his earlier miss with a well-taken strike after interchanging neatly with Quinones, which gave his side an unassailable lead at the break.

The win puts Mexico through to the round of 16, where it will take on either England or DR Congo, while Ecuador’s first trip past the group stage in 20 years ends at the first hurdle.