FIFA World Cup 2026: France return to Boston base camp after reaching Round of 16
New York, July 1
The France national football team confirmed that they have returned to base camp in Boston after securing a commanding 3-0 victory over Sweden in the FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 32 clash on Tuesday.
Taking to social media platform X, the French team shared a post saying, "We're heading back to Boston!" following their emphatic win, which sealed their place in the Round of 16.
In another post on X, the team shared that they have returned to their Boston base camp after securing qualification for the Round of 16, expressing relief and satisfaction at moving forward in the tournament.
"Back at the Boston base camp after qualifying for the round of 16!" Equipe de France wrote on X.
A clinical double from talismanic captain Kylian Mbappe steered France to an emphatic 3-0 victory over Sweden at the New York New Jersey Stadium (MetLife Stadium), punching Les Bleus' ticket to the 2026 FIFA World Cup Round of 16.
While Sweden exits the tournament after a spirited run, France marches confidently into the round of 16, where they will lock horns with Paraguay on July 4.
Didier Deschamps, returning to the touchline after missing the final group game due to personal bereavement (following his mother's funeral), watched his side systematically dismantle a stubborn Swedish defence.
Entering the match tied with Brazilian icon Ronaldo and legendary pre-war forward Leonidas at 8 career knockout stage goals, Mbappe's strikes in the 45th and 74th minutes pushed his total to 10 knockout stage goals, the most by any player in the history of the competition.
Mbappe's knack for delivering when the stakes are highest has defined his international career. His updated goal tallies paint the picture of a player performing at unprecedented efficiency. In the knockout stage, he has now scored 10 goals, bypassing Ronaldo (8) & Leonidas (8) for the record.
Mbappe's sixth goal of the tournament drew him level with Argentina legend Lionel Messi in the race for the Golden Boot.
The brace also took his World Cup tally to 18 goals in just 18 appearances, leaving him one shy of Messi's all-time record of 19 goals, achieved across 29 World Cup matches.
— ANI
Reader Comments
I'm a bit conflicted. Mbappe's talent is undeniable, but I feel like the coverage is all about one player. What about the rest of the team? Sweden put up a good fight too, they deserve some credit. Anyway, glad Deschamps is back after his personal loss. Family comes first.
Yaar, what a player Mbappe is! 18 goals in 18 World Cup matches – consistency at its finest. He's going to break every record out there. And France looking strong for back-to-back titles? 👀 As someone who follows football from India, this tournament is pure gold.
Impressive win by France. Deschamps handling personal tragedy and still leading the team to victory – that's leadership. Mbappe's golden boot race with Messi will be interesting, but let's not forget this is a team sport. Sweden had a good run though. On to the next round!
Honestly, France's depth is scary. Even without a fully fit squad, they dominated. Mbappe is on another planet right now! Can't wait for the Paraguay match – if they play like this, it's their tournament to lose. India should learn from these European setups. 🙌
All this talk about Mbappe's records is great, but I wish we saw more focus on Sweden's exit. They played with heart, especially in defense. That 3-0 scoreline doesn't tell the whole story. Football's beauty is in these underdog tales. France are favorites, but anything can happen in knockouts!
We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.