France vs. Sweden: FIFA World Cup 2026 Knockout Preview

France, having won all their group stage matches for the first time since 1998, are heading into their knockout match against Graham Potter's Sweden with full confidence. Both teams will meet at the MetLife Stadium, which will also host the World Cup final next month.

Even before the tournament began, 'Les Bleus' were considered the top title contenders by many. Their performance so far has only strengthened that belief. France has entered the knockout stage by winning all their group stage games for the first time since 1998, the same year they lifted their first World Cup trophy.

Despite a slow start in their first match against Senegal, France secured a 3-1 victory with an excellent second-half performance. They then defeated Iraq 3-0 in a match affected by weather, and took full advantage of Norway making widespread team changes in the final group stage game. Inspired by Ousmane Dembele's brilliant hat-trick, France registered an impressive 4-1 victory.

Having secured the top spot in the highly competitive Group 'I', France will face Sweden, who finished third in their group, in the Round of 32. Sweden secured their place in the knockout stage by drawing 1-1 with Japan in their final group game.

Due to their poor qualifying campaign, it seemed unlikely that Graham Potter's Sweden would even reach this stage. However, they not only succeeded in the playoffs in March but also made the most of the opportunities they got to reach the knockout stage. Having already navigated a tough group, Sweden is now playing without any pressure.

Under the leadership of Jon Dahl Tomasson, reaching the World Cup knockout stage seemed like a distant dream.

'Les Bleus' Easily into the Last 16

With the group stage concluded, the knockout bracket is set. Many do not see any team capable of stopping the star-studded France in their part of the tournament.

The less-than-expected performances from Spain and Portugal have further boosted confidence in France. Traditional powerhouses like Germany and the Netherlands, who were expected to challenge them, are also out. However, for now, they must overcome Sweden's challenge at the MetLife Stadium. It was at this very stadium that France defeated Senegal in their first group stage match.

Sweden is a tactically flexible and somewhat unpredictable team. Despite an excellent performance against Tunisia, their attacking players have lacked coordination since then. A big 5-1 win had raised expectations for the team unrealistically, but an equally heavy 5-1 loss to the Netherlands also exposed their weaknesses.

Sweden can be considered a dangerous team due to their tendency for unexpected results. However, looking at France's powerful attack, they are expected to advance to the next round with ease.

Mbappé in Search of New Records

The 'little' Argentine magician, Lionel Messi, is still ahead in terms of goal count. However, time is on Kylian Mbappé's side. The French star has equaled Miroslav Klose's record with 16 World Cup goals, although Messi is currently at the top with 19 goals.

In the race for the Golden Boot, Messi is also ahead with six goals, while Mbappé has four. After failing to score against Norway, Mbappé will be determined to replicate his impressive performance on Tuesday. France and Sweden's

History of Encounters

France has won 12 out of 23 encounters against Sweden. They have lost only two of their last 17 meetings. However, Tuesday's knockout match will be the first World Cup encounter between these two nations.

Head coach Didier Deschamps, who had gone to France to attend his mother's funeral, will now be back with the team at the MetLife Stadium. William Saliba was rested against Norway without any risks. The Arsenal defender has been suffering from a back problem for a long time. However, he has trained for the Round of 32 and is expected to return to the squad for Tuesday's match.

Despite scoring against Norway, Desiré Doué has not yet shone as expected in the World Cup. Therefore, Bradley Barcola could potentially take his place. Similarly, Deschamps will have to decide between Lucas Digne or Théo Hernandez at left-back. The inclusion of Adrien Rabiot in midfield is also under consideration. Marcus Thuram is likely to be absent again due to a calf injury.

France's probable team (4-2-3-1): Menyan, Koundé, Upamecano, Saliba, Digne, Tchouaméni, Rabiot; Dembélé, Olise, Doué, Mbappé.

Sweden's Probable Starting Lineup

Graham Potter has adopted a three-defender system in this World Cup. Defender Isak Hien suffered a hamstring injury in the first half of the match against Japan and will not be able to play further in this World Cup. His absence will bring a significant change to Potter's plans. Leeds United's Gabriel Gudmundsson is likely to start in the three-man defense again. Eliot Ströud may play as a wing-back, and the experienced Udinese midfielder is expected to partner Yasin Ayari.

Sweden's attack features Alexander Isak and Viktor Gyökeres as key names. However, Anthony Elanga has scored in two consecutive games. Elanga will attempt to continue his excellent group stage performance by targeting France's perceived weakest area, the left-back position.

After fielding Jakob Zetterström in goal against Japan, Graham Potter is unlikely to revert to Christopher Nordfeldt as the first choice. Sweden's probable team (3-4-3): Zetterström, Lagerbielke, Lindelöf, Gudmundsson; Bernhardsen, Ayari, Karlström, Ströud, Elanga, Gyökeres, Isak.

Overall France vs. Sweden

Location: East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA
Stadium: MetLife Stadium
Date: Tuesday, June 30
Kick-off time: 2:45 AM (Nepali Time)
Referee: Danny Makkelie (Netherlands)