World Cup Prediction: Can Sweden End France's Perfect Run?

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - France will take on Sweden in the Round of 32 at the 2026 FIFA World Cup at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, on Wednesday, July 1, in a clash between one of the tournament favorites and a disciplined underdog capable of causing an upset.

Didier Deschamps' side enters the knockout stage in dominant form after topping Group I with three consecutive victories over Senegal, Iraq, and Norway, scoring 10 goals along the way. Sweden, meanwhile, advanced as one of the tournament's best third-placed teams after finishing with four points in Group F.

While France boasts one of the deepest squads in the competition, Sweden will look to rely on organization, physicality, and quick counterattacks to keep its World Cup hopes alive.

France Rely on Firepower and Squad Depth

France have combined physical strength, rapid transitions, and attacking versatility throughout the tournament. Les Bleus are equally dangerous through the wings and the middle, with a squad packed with world-class talent across every position.

Kylian Mbappé and Ousmane Dembélé have led the charge with four goals each. They are supported by creative attackers including Michael Olise, Désiré Doué, and Bradley Barcola, giving Deschamps multiple options in the final third.

Mbappé's blistering pace and clinical finishing remain France's biggest weapon, while Dembélé's dribbling and creativity allow him to unlock compact defenses. Olise, meanwhile, has impressed with his vision and ability to beat defenders in one-on-one situations.

France are equally formidable in midfield. Aurélien Tchouaméni and Eduardo Camavinga provide both physicality and technical quality, while the defense is anchored by William Saliba, Ibrahima Konaté, and Dayot Upamecano. Theo Hernández continues to provide an attacking outlet from left back.

The abundance of talent gives Deschamps what coaches often describe as a "good problem" when selecting his starting lineup. His main concern may be ensuring France avoid complacency against a Swedish side that has already exceeded expectations.

Sweden Look to Upset the Favorites

Sweden's path to the knockout stage has been less convincing but still effective. Graham Potter's team opened with a 5-1 victory over Tunisia before suffering a heavy 5-1 defeat to the Netherlands and drawing 1-1 with Japan.

Rather than dominating possession, Sweden have built their campaign on tactical discipline, defensive organization, and physical strength. Their height and aerial ability make them especially dangerous from set pieces at both ends of the pitch.

The Swedes also favor quick transitions, looking to attack immediately after winning possession and exploiting space behind opposing defenses.

A key challenge for Potter will be maximizing the partnership between Alexander Isak and Viktor Gyökeres. The duo combined effectively against Tunisia but struggled to make the same impact against stronger opponents.

Potter will also hope young midfielder Yasin Ayari can recreate the form that saw him score twice in the opening match, while Anthony Elanga's pace on the wing could prove vital if Sweden can create space on the counterattack.

Defensively, captain Victor Lindelöf will be tasked with organizing Sweden's back line against one of the tournament's most dangerous attacks.

Prediction

This will be the first World Cup meeting between France and Sweden.

France enter the match as clear favorites, boasting greater quality and depth across the pitch.

Les Bleus are expected to dominate possession and create the better chances, but recent knockout-stage upsets, including the eliminations of Germany and the Netherlands, are a reminder that favorites cannot afford to underestimate disciplined opponents.

Sweden's best chance lies in staying compact defensively, limiting the influence of Kylian Mbappé and Ousmane Dembélé, and capitalizing on set pieces or quick counterattacks.

However, with the world's No. 2-ranked team facing the 36th-ranked Swedes, Didier Deschamps' side are widely expected to advance to the Round of 16, where Paraguay await.

Probable lineups

France: Mike Maignan; Jules Koundé, Dayot Upamecano, William Saliba, Theo Hernández; Aurélien Tchouaméni, Adrien Rabiot; Michael Olise, Ousmane Dembélé, Désiré Doué; Kylian Mbappé.

Sweden: Jacob Zetterström; Gustaf Lagerbielke, Victor Lindelöf, Gabriel Gudmundsson; Oscar Bernhardsson, Lucas Bergvall, Yasin Ayari, Samuel Dahl; Anthony Elanga, Viktor Gyökeres, Alexander Isak.

Read: Norway vs Ivory Coast: Stopping Haaland Is Key for the Elephants

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