2026 World Cup: The Blues seduce with Mbappé, Olise and Dembélé in charge against Sweden
By OnzeActu · · 3 min read
Didier Deschamps is beginning a shift in his management, letting his leaders express themselves on the ground. Result: an authoritarian 3-0 victory for the Blues against Sweden, carried by an inspired attacking trio composed of Kylian Mbappé, Michael Olise and Ousmane Dembélé.
France continues its impressive run at the 2026 World Cup. Opposed to Sweden in the round of 16, the Blues won 3-0, displaying almost insolent domination, under heavy heat in New Jersey (34°C at kick-off).
This success is part of a notable transformation of the team under the leadership of Didier Deschamps. Unlike his usually rigorous and controlled approach, this time the coach leaves more freedom to his leaders: Kylian Mbappé, Michael Olise and Ousmane Dembélé. This attacking trio, the real driving force of the game, imposes its rhythm and creativity match after match.
From the start of the match against Sweden, France displayed its technical superiority. Mbappé is denied a first goal for an offside position, while Adrien Rabiot and Olise put the opposing defense to the test. Olise, a true revelation of this World Cup, even attempts the acrobatic scissors kick which ends on the post, before Dembélé hits the target on the restart.
Image
The click came shortly after the break. On a worked corner, Olise combines with Dembélé to serve Mbappé, who eliminates two defenders before adjusting the Swedish goalkeeper for the opener (53rd). A few minutes later, Olise found Barcola with a subtle deep pass for the second French goal. Finally, it was again Olise who delivered Mbappé a precise through ball for the third goal, consolidating the French captain's place at the top of the scorers' ranking, tied with Lionel Messi.
France could have increased the score, but, with its mastery, it is satisfied with this score without ever being worried. The 13 goals scored in four matches testify to the French strike force, much greater than that displayed during the victorious campaign in 2018.
Deschamps, who recently went through a difficult personal ordeal, seems determined to take advantage of his last world championship at the head of the Blues to let his attack express itself fully. “We have our weapons, we showed it this evening,” said substitute Malo Gusto after the match.
As they left the field, Mbappé and Olise received a deserved ovation. “Michael plays football at a very high level. On the pitch, he is not an introvert,” Deschamps aptly sums up. United and confident, the Blues seem well on their way to continuing their journey at the American World Cup.