France Takes on Sweden in World Cup Showdown: Bold Predictions, Key Lineups, and What to Expect

France's World Cup run continues as they take on Sweden in the round of 32, with both sides set to clash at MetLife Stadium — the very venue hosting next month's final.

Les Bleus were widely tipped as favorites heading into the tournament to claim a third title, and they've done nothing to shake that belief. France put together their first flawless group stage since 1998, the year they lifted their maiden World Cup trophy.

After a sluggish opening against Senegal, France shifted gears in the second half to seal a 3–1 victory. They then dominated Iraq in a weather-interrupted match 3–0 before capitalizing on Norway's rotated squad on Matchday 3. A brilliant Ousmane Dembélé hat-trick powered a commanding 4–1 victory.

Finishing top of a competitive Group I earned them a date with one of the eight best third-place sides. Sweden secured their knockout berth by drawing 1–1 with Japan to close out their group stage.

Graham Potter's squad had little reason to expect this run after a poor qualifying campaign, but a strong playoff showing in March gave them a second opportunity they've made the most of. Having navigated a difficult group, the Swedes are now playing with nothing to lose.

A place in the World Cup knockout rounds felt like a distant dream during the dark days under Jon Dahl Tomasson.

France vs. Sweden Score Prediction

Les Bleus Ease Into Last 16

Brackets are being filled in rapidly following the end of the group stage, and most are finding it hard to look beyond the star-studded French on their side of the draw.

Spain and Portugal's underwhelming performances have only strengthened the case for Les Bleus, who could potentially meet a vulnerable Germany side in a high-profile round of 16 encounter.

First, they must handle their business at MetLife Stadium, where they defeated Senegal on Matchday 1. Sweden are tactically flexible and somewhat unpredictable, with their attacking players struggling to find rhythm after a dominant win over Tunisia. A 5–1 thrashing raised expectations unfairly, and the Netherlands quickly brought them back to earth with an identical scoreline.

Sweden's unpredictable nature makes them a potential danger, but France's attacking firepower should be more than enough to advance comfortably.

Prediction: France 3-0 Sweden

France Predicted Lineup vs. Sweden

Didier Deschamps will be back on the sideline at MetLife Stadium after traveling to France to attend his mother's funeral.

Caution was exercised with William Saliba against Norway. The Arsenal defender has been dealing with persistent back pain, but he has participated in training ahead of France's round of 32 fixture and is expected to slot back into Deschamps' starting eleven on Tuesday.

Désiré Doué netted against Norway but has yet to truly shine at this World Cup. His place in the side is under pressure, with Bradley Barcola pushing for inclusion. Additionally, Deschamps faces a decision between Lucas Digne and Theo Hernández at left back, along with whether Adrien Rabiot should feature in midfield.

Marcus Thuram looks set to miss out once more due to a calf problem.

France predicted lineup vs. Sweden (4–2–3–1): Maignan; Koundé, Upamecano, Saliba, Digne; Tchouaméni, Rabiot; Dembélé, Olise, Doué; Mbappé

Sweden Predicted Lineup vs. France

Defender Isak Hien picked up a hamstring injury in the opening half against Japan and will take no further part in this summer's competition.

His loss will require significant adjustments to Potter's setup, with Leeds United's Gabriel Gudmundsson likely to feature in the back three once again. Elliot Stroud could be handed a wing-back role, while an experienced Udinese midfielder is expected to partner Yasin Ayari in the center of the park.

Alexander Isak and Viktor Gyökeres are Sweden's headline attackers, but Anthony Elanga has found the net in consecutive matches. Elanga will look to exploit France's vulnerable left-back position and continue his strong group stage form.

Graham Potter is unlikely to revert to Kristoffer Nordfeldt between the posts after switching to Jacob Zetterström for the Japan match.

Sweden predicted lineup vs. France (3–4–3): Zetterström; Lagerbielke, Lindelöf, Gudmundsoon; Bernhardsson, Ayari, Karlström, Stroud; Elanga, Gyökeres, Isak.

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