Kylian Mbappé says France rallied together behind head coach Didier Deschamps after his mother’s death, as the team secures a place in the World Cup last 16 with a 3-0 victory over Sweden. Multiple outlets report that Deschamps had briefly stepped back from his duties to grieve before returning to the dugout for the match. After France scored, Mbappé is described as running over to hug Deschamps, reflecting the players’ public show of support. Mbappé also dedicated a goal to Deschamps in remarks that stress priorities beyond the tournament, with one report quoting him saying “things are more important than a World Cup.”
On the field, France’s win comes as Mbappé scores two more goals to take his World Cup tournament tally to six, and his overall World Cup goals to 18, according to one report. The result leaves France set to face Paraguay in the next round, following their qualification for the knockout stage. Across sources, the common themes are Deschamps’ return after his mother’s passing, France’s team unity, and the match outcome that advances them to the Round of 16.
