France Face Sweden as World Cup Knockout Stage Begins

France begin their FIFA World Cup 2026 knockout journey on Tuesday when they face Sweden in the Round of 32 at New York New Jersey Stadium.

Contents

Team News
Possible Lineups
How to Watch
Match predictions

Les Bleus head into the clash full of confidence after finishing top of Group I with a perfect record, winning all three matches while scoring 10 goals and conceding just twice.

Didier Deschamps’ side sealed first place with an emphatic 4-1 victory over Norway, as Ousmane Dembélé stole the headlines with a superb hat-trick, highlighting France’s attacking depth alongside captain Kylian Mbappé.

France are among the favourites to lift the World Cup trophy, and another victory would see them move one step closer to the final 16.

Sweden, meanwhile, progressed as one of the tournament’s eight best third-placed teams after collecting four points in Group F. Graham Potter’s men defeated Tunisia, suffered a heavy 5-1 loss to the Netherlands and drew 1-1 with Japan to secure qualification.

The Swedes have scored seven goals and conceded seven in their three group-stage matches, but they now face their toughest challenge yet against one of the tournament’s strongest sides.

France score (Photo credit: Fabrizio Romano)

Team News

France centre-back William Saliba was rested against Norway, with the Arsenal defender reportedly struggling with a back issue, but he will want to play through the pain and help his side advance into the round of 16.

Mbappe will hope to score his fifth goal of the tournament, and the Real Madrid star will be supported by a trio of Michael Olise, Dembele and Desire Doue.

Sweden’s Anthony Elanga scored from range against Japan, and while he may find it difficult to replicate such a strike, his immense pace could still be a valuable asset on Tuesday against France’s defence.