Mbappé fires France past Sweden as Mexico end a 40-year knockout drought

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France cruised into the round of 16 with a 3-0 win over Sweden, Kylian Mbappé scoring either side of half-time to take his tournament tally to six. Michael Olise supplied two assists in a dominant display, according to Sky Sports, as France reached the last 16 for a fourth straight World Cup and set up a meeting with Paraguay.

Mexico ended a 40-year wait for a World Cup knockout win, beating Ecuador 2-0 at the Estadio Azteca through first-half goals from Julián Quiñones and Raúl Jiménez. Per Al Jazeera, it echoed their last knockout victory — a 2-0 win over Bulgaria at the same venue in 1986 — and made them the first Concacaf side to eliminate a South American team in a World Cup knockout.

Norway advanced to a heavyweight round-of-16 tie with Brazil, Erling Haaland's late finish settling a 2-1 win over Ivory Coast, according to ESPN's recap of the day.

Transfer and squad notes

Mbappé's brace carried historical weight: ESPN reported he broke the record for the most World Cup knockout-stage goals and moved to within one of Lionel Messi's career tally of 19. France coach Didier Deschamps was back on the touchline for the match following the death of his mother.

The round of 16 is taking shape, with Canada meeting Morocco and Paraguay facing France on July 4, and Brazil against Norway on July 5, per CBS Sports; Mexico will play the winner of England against DR Congo.

What it means for the league

A day after Germany and the Netherlands went out, the tournament's leading names reasserted themselves, with France impressive and Mexico riding home advantage into the last 16. Mbappé has emerged as the standout attacking force, chasing Messi's records as Argentina's captain sits out until the knockouts resume. The bracket now sharpens around Brazil–Norway and France–Paraguay, with Mexico carrying host hopes toward a meeting with an English or Congolese side.