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Tag: World Cup results

  • Kylian Mbappé Scores Twice as France Crushes Sweden 3-0, Matches Messi’s World Cup Goal Tally

    Kylian Mbappé Scores Twice as France Crushes Sweden 3-0, Matches Messi’s World Cup Goal Tally

    France powered into the FIFA World Cup Round of 16 with a dominant 3-0 victory over Sweden on Tuesday, led by another brilliant performance from captain Kylian Mbappé, who scored twice to tie Lionel Messi for the tournament lead with six goals.

    Playing in front of more than 80,000 fans at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, France controlled the match from start to finish, setting up a Round of 16 showdown with Paraguay National Football Team on July 4.

    Mbappé opened the scoring in first-half stoppage time with a dazzling move that left Sweden’s defense helpless. The French star beat his marker with a quick crossover step before firing a precise finish into the far corner for his 61st international goal.

    France doubled its advantage in the 53rd minute through Bradley Barcola after a costly Swedish turnover. The move was created by midfielder Aurélien Tchouaméni and tournament standout Michael Olise, whose creative play has become a key weapon for Les Bleus.

    Mbappé sealed the victory in the 74th minute following a slick attacking sequence involving Barcola and Olise. The goal marked his third multi-goal performance in four World Cup matches and pushed his career World Cup total to 18 goals, just one behind Messi’s all-time tournament record.

    The French superstar also established a new World Cup knockout-stage scoring record with 10 goals, surpassing Brazilian legends Leônidas and Ronaldo, who previously shared the record with eight.

    “I’m very aware of who I am, how I play, what I shall do, but it’s not just about me,” Mbappé said after the match. “The entire team is aware of what should be done. It is a new competition that has started today.”

    France head coach Didier Deschamps praised his team’s focus after returning to the squad following his mother’s funeral in France. The emotional moment was highlighted when Mbappé celebrated his opening goal by embracing his coach on the sideline.

    France, runners-up at the previous World Cup, have emerged as one of the tournament favorites after scoring 13 goals while conceding only two through the opening stages. Olise has been instrumental in the run, contributing five assists so far.

    Sweden struggled to cope with France’s attacking quality, managing only seven shots compared to France’s 25. Captain Victor Lindelöf acknowledged the challenge of facing one of the world’s elite football nations after the defeat.

    The victory sends France into the knockout phase with growing momentum as they pursue a third consecutive World Cup final appearance. A win over Paraguay would advance Les Bleus to a quarterfinal clash against either Canada Men’s National Soccer Team or Morocco National Football Team.

    For Mbappé, the performance further strengthens his case as the tournament’s standout player and keeps him firmly on course to challenge Messi’s World Cup scoring record while chasing football’s biggest prize.

  • Cape Verde Stuns Spain with Historic Draw in One of the Biggest World Cup Upsets Ever

    Cape Verde Stuns Spain with Historic Draw in One of the Biggest World Cup Upsets Ever

    Cape Verde produced one of the most remarkable results in FIFA World Cup history on Monday, holding former champions Spain to a scoreless draw in the island nation’s first-ever World Cup match.

    The result is being celebrated as one of the tournament’s biggest surprises so far, with Cape Verde defying overwhelming odds against one of international football’s traditional powerhouses.

    Spain dominated virtually every statistical category throughout the match but failed to find a breakthrough against a determined Cape Verde side led by veteran goalkeeper Vozinha. The 40-year-old shot-stopper delivered a heroic performance, repeatedly denying Spanish attackers and preserving a historic clean sheet.

    The numbers highlighted Spain’s dominance:

    • Total shots: 27-6
    • Shots on target: 7-1
    • Corner kicks: 11-1
    • Possession: 74% to 26%

    Despite controlling possession and creating numerous scoring opportunities, Spain was unable to convert its chances, while Cape Verde’s disciplined defense and outstanding goalkeeping frustrated the European giants from start to finish.

    The final whistle sparked celebrations among Cape Verde players and supporters, as the small African nation secured a result that will be remembered as one of the greatest achievements in its football history. For a country making its World Cup debut, earning a point against a former world champion represents a landmark moment on the sport’s biggest stage.

    Meanwhile, the tournament continues with several key matches scheduled later in the day. Belgium opens its World Cup campaign against Egypt, while Uruguay faces Saudi Arabia and Iran takes on New Zealand in the United States.

    Belgium could face a unique challenge later in the tournament involving star winger Jeremy Doku. The 24-year-old is expecting the birth of his first child during the World Cup and has indicated that he intends to return home if Belgium remains in the competition when his wife goes into labor. Belgian media reports suggest contingency plans are already being discussed to allow the Manchester City star to attend the birth.

    The expanded 2026 FIFA World Cup features 48 teams, making it the largest tournament in the competition’s history. Thirty-two nations will advance to the knockout stage.

    The United States, one of the tournament hosts, began its campaign with a convincing 4-1 victory over Paraguay and will face Australia in its next match on Friday.

    For now, however, the spotlight belongs to Cape Verde, whose unforgettable defensive display and historic draw have delivered the first major shock of the 2026 World Cup.