FIFA World Cup 2026: France script history with five-match three-goal streak in global tournament
New York, July 1
France became the first team in FIFA World Cup history to score three or more goals in five consecutive matches, continuing their prolific run at the 2026 tournament.
The milestone was confirmed by FIFA in a post on X following France's 3-0 victory over Sweden in the Round of 32.
"France have become the first team in @FIFAWorldCup history to score three or more goals in five consecutive matches," FIFA said.
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
As an Indian fan, I love watching the World Cup but sometimes feel our own team is nowhere close. France showing what a proper footballing nation looks like 😅. Mbappe is a cheat code!
Fair play to Deschamps for coming back after his mother's funeral and coaching that masterclass. That's the kind of mental toughness we need in Indian sports — too many of our players make excuses for small distractions. 3-0 against a tough Swedish side is no joke.
Love seeing world football records being shattered. Mbappe is 27 and already breaking Pele, Messi, Ronaldo records. The French system is just remarkable — from Deschamps' tactics to their youth academy. India needs to study and replicate, not just talk.
Not just Mbappe but the whole French team is clicking. That defense was rock solid against Sweden. But I do worry about complacency — they need to stay grounded. Also, Deschamps deserves massive credit for managing personal grief and still getting the job done. Respect 🫡
As a neutral, loving this World Cup! France vs Paraguay in Round 16 will be spicy. But let's be real — Mbappe has already done enough to be called one of the greatest. 18 goals in 18 matches is not normal! India should learn how to build such game-changers.
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