World Cup

France vs Sweden Preview: Les Bleus Look To Continue World Cup Charge Against Resilient Swedes

Dembele scores a hat-trick as France beat Norway 4-1 Image Credits: FIFA

Wisdom

France face Sweden in the FIFA World Cup Round of 32 as Kylian Mbappé and Ousmane Dembélé lead Les Bleus’ title charge against a resilient Swedish side

France and Sweden meet in the FIFA World Cup Round of 32 at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, with Didier Deschamps’ side looking to continue their perfect start to the tournament while Sweden aim to produce one of the biggest upsets of the competition.

Preview

France have looked every bit like genuine World Cup favourites during the group stage.

Les Bleus won all three of their matches to finish top of Group I, scoring freely and playing with the confidence expected of one of the strongest squads in the tournament.

Their latest statement came in a dominant 4-1 victory over Norway, with Ousmane Dembélé stealing the headlines after scoring a stunning hat-trick, while Kylian Mbappé once again played a decisive role in another impressive attacking display.

Koulibaly and Dembele as Senegal take on France at the 2026 World Cup.
Image Credits: Senegal

Mbappé has once again shown why he thrives on the World Cup stage. The captain has consistently led France’s attack with his pace, movement and creativity, while Dembélé who has finally found his form has added another devastating weapon.

Alongside Michael Olise, the trio have formed one of the most dangerous forward lines in the competition, giving France the firepower to trouble any defence they face.

Sweden’s journey to the knockout rounds has been far less straightforward. Graham Potter’s men booked their place in the Round of 32 after battling through a difficult group that included the Netherlands, Japan and Tunisia.

A thrilling 5-1 victory over Tunisia showcased their attacking potential, but a heavy defeat to the Netherlands exposed some defensive weaknesses before a crucial draw against Japan ensured qualification.

Isak-Gyokeres. Image Credits: FIFA WORLD CUP

The Swedes know they will need the performance of their tournament to eliminate France. Arsenal striker Viktor Gyökeres has already admitted that Sweden must be “almost perfect” defensively if they are to contain Les Bleus, and much will depend on how well they can frustrate Mbappé and Dembélé while taking the few chances that come their way.

France will dominate possession and look to stretch Sweden with their pace on the wings, while the midfield trio will attempt to control the tempo from the first whistle. Sweden are likely to sit deeper, remain compact, and hope to strike through quick counter-attacks led by Gyökeres and their energetic attacking players.

Although France enter as overwhelming favourites, the knockout stages have already produced several surprises, and Sweden will draw confidence from the unpredictable nature of this World Cup. If they can stay disciplined and keep the score level deep into the contest, pressure could begin to shift onto the tournament favourites.

However, France possess too much quality, experience and attacking depth to ignore. With Mbappé in outstanding form, Dembélé full of confidence after his hat-trick against Norway, and a squad packed with talent across every position, Les Bleus will be confident of taking another step towards lifting a third World Cup trophy.