France will look to continue their impressive FIFA World Cup campaign when they face Sweden in the round of 32 on Tuesday at New York New Jersey Stadium, with Didier Deschamps’ side aiming to take another step towards a third consecutive appearance in the tournament final.
Les Bleus have been one of the standout teams in the competition after finishing top of Group I with a flawless record. Victories over Senegal, Iraq and Norway saw France collect the maximum nine points, scoring 10 goals while conceding just twice.
Their most recent outing ended in a commanding 4-1 victory against Norway, where Ousmane Dembele stole the headlines with a brilliant hat-trick. The performance underlined France’s attacking depth, proving they possess plenty of firepower beyond captain Kylian Mbappe, who has already scored four goals at the tournament.
While there have been occasional concerns over France’s approach without possession, their quality in attack and experience on the biggest stage make them one of the favourites to lift the trophy.
It is also a symbolic occasion for Deschamps’ men, who begin their knockout journey at the same stadium that will host the World Cup final.
The road ahead, however, promises to be demanding. Potential clashes against Germany, the Netherlands or Morocco, and Spain could await if France continue progressing, making every knockout match increasingly significant.
This tournament also marks Deschamps’ final World Cup as France manager after confirming he will step down once the competition concludes. The 57-year-old will be determined to end his remarkable tenure with another major international title.
Sweden, meanwhile, enter the knockout stage after scraping through as one of the tournament’s best third-placed teams. Graham Potter’s side collected four points from their three group matches, defeating Tunisia before suffering a heavy 5-1 defeat to the Netherlands and drawing 1-1 with Japan.
Their campaign has been far from convincing, with seven goals scored and seven conceded highlighting both their attacking threat and defensive vulnerability. Sweden were fortunate to avoid defeat against Japan and know they must produce a much stronger display to trouble France.
Despite the inconsistency, reaching the knockout rounds already represents a significant achievement for the Swedes after failing to qualify for three of the previous four World Cups. Potter will now hope his side can produce one of the biggest upsets of the tournament.
Anthony Elanga’s stunning strike against Japan showcased his pace and ability to create moments of quality, while Alexander Isak and Viktor Gyokeres provide Sweden with genuine attacking options capable of testing the French defence.
France could welcome back Arsenal defender William Saliba after he was rested against Norway due to a back problem. Dayot Upamecano is expected to partner him in central defence, while Aurelien Tchouameni and Adrien Rabiot should anchor midfield.
Mbappe is set to lead the attack alongside Michael Olise, Dembele and Desire Doue, forming one of the tournament’s most dangerous forward lines.
Sweden may have to reshuffle defensively following Isak Hien’s injury, with Victor Lindelof expected to drop into the back three. Tottenham midfielder Lucas Bergvall is likely to start alongside Yasin Ayari in midfield.
France have won four of their last five meetings with Sweden and boast significantly greater quality throughout the squad. Although Sweden possess enough attacking talent to cause problems on the counter, Les Bleus’ superior depth, experience and clinical finishing should ultimately prove decisive.
Prediction: France 3-1 Sweden. France are expected to secure a comfortable victory and advance to the round of 16, where sterner challenges are likely to await.
