France, Norway and Mexico book places in FIFA World Cup last 16

Kylian Mbappé scored twice as France cruised into the Round of 16 with a convincing 3-0 victory over Sweden on Tuesday, while Norway and Mexico also booked their places in the next round with hard-fought knockout wins.

Mbappé continued his outstanding World Cup form by taking his tally to six goals, drawing level with Lionel Messi at the top of the tournament’s scoring chart. His brace also lifted his career World Cup total to 18 goals in just 18 appearances, leaving him only one goal shy of Messi’s all-time World Cup record of 19.

Bradley Barcola added France’s second goal as Les Bleus comfortably dispatched Sweden at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, setting up a Round of 16 clash against Paraguay in Philadelphia on Saturday.

Despite dominating possession, France struggled to break down Sweden’s defence for much of the opening half. The breakthrough finally arrived just before the interval when Mbappé cut inside his marker before firing an unstoppable shot into the net.

Barcola doubled France’s advantage eight minutes after the restart, and Mbappé sealed the victory in the 74th minute with his second goal of the evening.

Reflecting on the performance, Mbappé praised the collective mentality within the squad.

“I know who I am and what I have to do, but it’s not just about me. The whole team understands what we need to achieve here,” he told beIN Sports.

Haaland Fires Norway into the Last 16

Earlier on Tuesday, Erling Haaland scored a dramatic late winner as Norway claimed their first-ever World Cup knockout-stage victory with a 2-1 triumph over Ivory Coast at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas.

Norway had taken the lead through Antonio Nusa, only for Amad Diallo to level the score for Ivory Coast. With extra time looming, Haaland struck in the 86th minute to send the Norwegians through.

The victory ended a long wait for Norway, who had previously lost both of their opening World Cup knockout matches in 1938 and 1998.

Norway will now face Brazil in the Round of 16 on Sunday, with a place in the quarter-finals at stake.

Haaland’s winner also brought his tournament tally to five goals, leaving him just one behind joint top scorers Mbappé and Messi.

Ivory Coast nearly forced extra time in stoppage time, but goalkeeper Ørjan Nyland produced a superb save to deny Diallo’s curling free-kick.

Norway manager Ståle Solbakken was full of praise for his star striker after the match.

“To score five goals in three World Cup games for a country like Norway is remarkable. I wouldn’t trade him for anyone because he’s the best goalscorer in world football today,” Solbakken said.

Mexico Extend Home Dominance

In Tuesday night’s final knockout fixture, co-hosts Mexico maintained their unbeaten record at the Estadio Azteca with a convincing 2-0 win over Ecuador.

The match began an hour later than scheduled due to torrential rain and lightning in Mexico City, but the delay failed to disrupt the hosts’ momentum.

Julián Quiñones opened the scoring after 22 minutes before Raúl Jiménez doubled Mexico’s lead in the 31st minute, leaving Ecuador with a mountain to climb.

Although Ecuador improved after the break, they were unable to find a way through Mexico’s disciplined defence.

Mexico will return to the Azteca for their Round of 16 clash on Sunday, where they will face either England or the Democratic Republic of the Congo, who meet in Atlanta on Wednesday.

Following the victory, Mexico head coach Javier Aguirre praised the unity within his squad.

“This team deserves everything that’s happening right now,” Aguirre said.

“The bond we have with our supporters is incredible. We’ve been together for a long time, we’re still enjoying every moment, and we truly are one big family. We’re delighted, but we’re also fully focused on what’s ahead.”

Koeman Steps Down as Netherlands Coach

Away from the action on the pitch, Ronald Koeman announced his resignation as Netherlands head coach, just a day after his side were eliminated by Morocco in a penalty shootout.

Koeman admitted the team’s early exit was a major disappointment and accepted responsibility for their campaign.

“We all dreamed of making history at this World Cup, but unfortunately we fell short,” he said.

*”No one is more disappointed than I am. As head coach, the responsibility ultimately lies with me.”