The first 48-team World Cup will soon be whittled down to the last 16, and already it looks like a question of whether anybody can stop a flying France side. Les Bleus have lived up to their favourites tag so far on their run to the last 16. Four games played, four wins, 13 goals scored – that is their record so far, after a comprehensive 3-0 defeat of Sweden in the last 32 on Tuesday in New Jersey, and ahead of Saturday's last-16 clash with Paraguay in Philadelphia. Their path appears to be opening up, to a quarter-final against Canada or Morocco, and perhaps a semi-final versus Spain. Should their paths eventually cross, the reigning European champions, led by Lamine Yamal, would be a different level of opposition altogether. Read moreWorld Cup 2026: Mbappé's brace sends France into round of 16 as Les Bleus demolish Sweden Holders Argentina, Brazil and England all stand on the other side of the draw. All have their qualities, but do any have the same depth as this French team? In Kylian Mbappé, France have arguably the best striker of his generation as well as a captain happy to let all the attention and pressure lie on his shoulders. Mbappe has a love affair with the World Cup having starred in the France side that won the trophy in 2018 and lost the 2022 final on penalties. His brace against Sweden leaves him with 18 goals in 18 World Cup appearances. With six so far in the tournament, he could yet threaten the record for most goals at a single World Cup, set by his compatriot Just Fontaine, with 13 in 1958.