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France progressed to the next stage of the World Cup, downing Sweden 3-0 in a dominant display that could have featured two times as many goals.
Les Bleus surged beyond their Swedish adversaries, flaunting their attacking threat in a famous display certain to inspire confidence in those believing France could return to its former glory and hoist yet another World Cup Trophy over its head.
Kylian Mbappe was at his talismanic best during the affair, sending the net sashaying with a pair of deft strikes. His performance drew many admirers, including his beloved boss, Didier Deschamps.
Here's how Deschamps celebrated the 27-year-old forward's glistening display.
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Didier Deschamps bows down to Kylian Mbappe
Mbappe authored another masterpiece in France's takedown of Sweden, netting two goals while proving a steady thorn to the Swedes' backline.
He was the brightest star on a field filled with them for France. His performance drew the praise of his manager, Deschamps, who proceeded to pull him from the contest and give him the opportunity to bask in the glory of his display. Deschamps substituted Mbappe in favor of Jean-Philippe Mateta, giving him the platform to hear the serenades of the French faithful.
Deschamps was among the first to celebrate Mbappe's heroics. As he traipsed over the sideline, Deschamps gave him a hero's salute, bowing down in a show of admiration for his star striker.
The ultimate respect from Didier Deschamps to Kylian Mbappé 👏 pic.twitter.com/JvnK6sqLGU
— FOX Sports (@FOXSports) June 30, 2026Kylian Mbappe goals today
Mbappe struck twice to power France's efforts on Tuesday afternoon. Both were of the eye-catching variety, with his first seeing him use a step-over to displace his defender before whipping a strike into the far corner.
— FOX Sports (@FOXSports) June 30, 2026It was the ninth knockout stage goal of Mbappe's career, moving him into sole possession of first place all-time on the knockout stage goal-scoring list.
Mbappe tacked on a second in the second half, latching on to a delicate Michael Olise pass before sweeping his effort into the corner of the net. With his latest tally, he moved one strike closer to Lionel Messi's World Cup record.
What happened to Didier Deschamp's mom?
Deschamps missed France's 4-1 win over Norway to attend the funeral of his mother, who passed away during the group stage.
Deschamps offered insight into the depths of his grief while speaking with reporters ahead of Tuesday's match.
"How am I? I'm doing okay. Obviously I had complicated days where I was devastated," Deschamps said, per M6. "But for my own personal well-being and for the good of the France team, I had to leave. Afterwards, they did what was necessary."
Mbappe and the team offered support for the taskmaster in the best way they could, mobbing the famed coach after his first goal.
Mbappé goes straight to his manager Didier Deschamps after scoring 🇫🇷 pic.twitter.com/6nLEqL5Tqo
— FOX Sports (@FOXSports) June 30, 2026
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