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France secured their spot in the World Cup round of 16 with a commanding 3–0 win over Sweden on Tuesday. The victory sets up a Saturday clash for France against Paraguay.
Meanwhile, Belgium are scheduled to face Senegal on Wednesday night in a knockout round of 32 fixture at Seattle Stadium as Rudi Garcia’s Belgian side enter the match on a 16-game unbeaten streak, while Senegal look to build on their 5–0 group stage finale win against Iraq despite goalkeeper Edouard Mendy facing a late fitness test.
France 3 – 0 Sweden
France beat Sweden 3-0 on Tuesday to ease into the last 16 of the World Cup.
Mbappe netted in the 45th and 74th minutes, and Bradley Barcola added a second-half strike to earn France a meeting with Paraguay on Saturday.
The French team were in control for most of the game and looked the sharper side. Kylian Mbappé scored twice, taking his tally for the tournament to six goals, and Barcola added the third concluding the match.
Sweden had some possession, but they did not create enough clear chances. France defended well, stayed patient, and were more dangerous when they went forward.
Mbappé scored his 17th and 18th career World Cup goals in this match, moving one back of Messi’s record of 19. With six in the tournament, Mbappé tied the Argentina star in the race for the Golden Boot.
Belgium – Senegal
Belgium meet Senegal in the FIFA World Cup round of 32 on Wednesday at Lumen Field in Seattle, Washington. The kick-off is at 20:00 GMT.
It is a knockout match, so the winner goes through, and the loser goes out. Belgium and Senegal both came into the game in decent form after mixed group stages.
After advancing to the knockout round as Group G’s top team, Technical Director Rudi Garcia expressed satisfaction with his group’s accomplishments and a desire for more. Belgium won one game and drew two in group play.
Iranian team returns home
The Iranian national team left North America on Tuesday, departing from its World Cup home in Mexico after a tournament marked by repeated disagreements with US officials, flashes of athletic brilliance, and, ultimately, disappointment at having barely missed advancing beyond the group stage.
After its three group stage matches ended in draws, Iran’s World Cup future depended on either Algeria or Austria winning their match on Saturday.
The players return to a homeland still in the grips of an unresolved conflict with Israel and the United States. But their fans say they should be proud.
“I think even though they lost, it gave people a sense of hope,” said Mohammad Modarres, 38, who travelled from San Diego to bid the team farewell.