France underlined their status as favourites for the 2026 FIFA World Cup with a commanding 3-0 victory over Sweden, producing another scintillating display to book a last-16 showdown with Paraguay.
Kylian Mbappe was once again the driving force behind Les Bleus, scoring twice to move level with Argentina captain Lionel Messi on six goals in the race for the Golden Boot, while Bradley Barcola added the third in an emphatic performance under the New Jersey sun.
Beyond their attacking brilliance, France’s unity was equally evident as Mbappe celebrated his opening goal by embracing head coach Didier Deschamps, who had returned to the dugout after attending his mother’s funeral in France.
The entire squad joined the emotional celebration, highlighting the togetherness that continues to fuel France’s impressive World Cup campaign.
“This group is united, and they delivered when I was not here,” Deschamps said after the match.
“The team spirit of this group doesn’t make you win matches. But if it’s the other way round, you can lose games. The collective strength is above everything.”
Midfielder Aurelien Tchouameni echoed his manager’s sentiments, saying the players were determined to support Deschamps during a difficult period.
“We know the coach is going through a lot. We are trying to give everything to make him as happy as possible,” he said.
France’s attacking quality continues to overwhelm opponents. Michael Olise provided two more assists to increase his tournament tally to five, while Les Bleus became the first team to score three or more goals in five consecutive World Cup matches.
Former England striker Ian Wright believes the rest of the tournament should be worried.
“You cannot stop this kind of ability,” Wright said. “France are one of the most clear favourites I have ever seen in a World Cup tournament.”
World Cup-winning French legend Patrick Vieira agreed, describing Deschamps’ side as “the team to beat.”
France will now face Paraguay in the round of 16 on July 4 as they continue their pursuit of a third World Cup title.
Haaland Sends Norway Into Last 16 with Late Winner Against Ivory Coast
Erling Haaland struck four minutes from time to fire Norway into the World Cup last 16 with a dramatic 2-1 victory over Ivory Coast.
The Manchester City striker tapped home Sander Berge’s cross in the 86th minute to secure Norway’s first-ever World Cup knockout-stage victory and book a blockbuster clash with five-time champions Brazil.
Antonio Nusa had earlier given Norway the lead with a stunning curling effort before Manchester United winger Amad Diallo came off the bench to inspire Ivory Coast’s comeback, first clearing a Norwegian effort off the line before scoring a brilliant solo equaliser.
But Haaland delivered the decisive blow late on, ending Ivory Coast’s impressive debut World Cup knockout appearance.
Suzuki Emerges as Aston Villa Goalkeeper Target
Japan international goalkeeper Zion Suzuki has emerged as one of Aston Villa’s leading candidates to replace Emiliano Martinez should the Argentine leave Villa Park this summer.
Villa are also monitoring Toulouse goalkeeper Guillaume Restes and Manchester City’s James Trafford, with reports indicating the club has drawn up a three-man shortlist.
Martinez continues to attract interest from Juventus, who are also considering Tottenham Hotspur goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario as an alternative.
Manchester United and Arsenal Lead Chase for Alex Scott
Manchester United and Arsenal are reportedly the frontrunners in the race to sign Bournemouth midfielder Alex Scott this summer.
Despite growing interest from two of the Premier League’s biggest clubs, Bournemouth remain determined to keep the former Bristol City midfielder and have opened talks over a new long-term contract.
Scott narrowly missed out on England’s World Cup squad but remains one of the most highly rated young midfielders in English football.
The 22-year-old continues to attract interest from several elite clubs searching for midfield reinforcements, although Bournemouth are hopeful new manager Marco Rose can persuade him to remain on the south coast.
