Match preview: France vs Sweden

France arrives in the knockout rounds of the World Cup in strong form as they prepare to face Sweden on Tuesday in the round of 32. The winner of this tie will go on to meet either Germany or Paraguay in the next stage.

Didier Deschamps’ team finished top of Group I with a flawless record, winning all three of their matches. Their victories came against Senegal, Iraq, and Norway, marking the first time since 1998 that France has gone through the group stage of a major tournament with maximum points.

There is also a notable historical link for Deschamps, who captained France to the 1998 World Cup title. That tournament remains a reference point as his current side continues to impress in North America.

France have also been highly productive in attack, scoring at least three goals in each of their last four World Cup matches. No team has ever managed to score three or more goals in five consecutive matches at the competition.

France’s attacking form and key players

Kylian Mbappé and Ousmane Dembélé have been central to France’s offensive strength, each scoring four goals in the tournament so far. Dembélé’s hat-trick in a 4-1 win over a rotated Norway side secured top place in the group.

The two forwards have also developed a strong on-field connection. They have combined for five World Cup goals, with Mbappé providing two assists for Dembélé and Dembélé setting up three for Mbappé, two of which came in 2022.

This total of five goal combinations matches the highest recorded for a pair at the World Cup since 1966, placing them alongside some of the competition’s most productive duos.

France’s attacking options are further strengthened by players such as Michael Olise and Désiré Doué, adding depth to an already high-scoring side.

Last 5 France matches stats

Sweden’s path and attacking threats

Sweden heads into the knockout stage after finishing third in Group F, behind the Netherlands and Japan. They will now attempt to challenge one of the tournament favourites in what is expected to be a difficult encounter.

Much of Sweden’s attacking output has come through Viktor Gyökeres, who led the team in both shots and chances created during the group stage. His involvement has been a key feature of their offensive play.

Other contributors include Yasin Ayari, who has scored twice, and Anthony Elanga, who has found form with goals in consecutive group matches against the Netherlands and Japan. Sweden also recorded their highest-ever group stage goal tally at a World Cup, scoring seven times.

Historically, only a few Swedish players have scored in three straight World Cup appearances, placing Elanga in a select category if he continues his scoring run.

Last 5 Sweden matches stats

Head-to-head record and historical notes

France and Sweden will meet for the 24th time in all competitions. France has won 12 of those encounters, while Sweden has recorded six victories, with five matches ending in draws.

This will only be their third meeting at a major tournament and their first ever clash at a World Cup. Sweden won the most recent tournament meeting at Euro 2012, while the sides also drew at the European Championship two decades earlier.

France entered the match with a strong knockout record, having progressed from 83% of their World Cup knockout ties since 1998. Their only eliminations in that period came in the 2006 final, the 2014 quarter-final, and the 2022 final, all decided under different circumstances.

They have also won their last six World Cup matches against European opposition, with no team ever achieving seven consecutive victories against UEFA sides in the competition’s history.

Past H2H Results

Prediction and expected outcome

France enters this knockout tie as clear favourites after a perfect group stage, having won all three matches and consistently scoring at least three goals in recent World Cup games. Didier Deschamps’ side look particularly dangerous in attack, with Kylian Mbappé and Ousmane Dembélé both in excellent form and heavily involved in goals. Their combination play and depth in forward areas suggest they have enough quality to break down most defences at this stage of the tournament. Sweden, however, arrive with confidence after scoring their highest-ever group stage tally at a World Cup and showing they can be dangerous in attack through Viktor Gyökeres and Anthony Elanga. Their ability to create chances and score in key moments means they should not be completely ruled out of the contest. The most likely scenario is France controlling large spells of possession and eventually pulling away, while Sweden remains competitive through counter-attacks and individual attacking moments.

Prediction: France 3-1 Sweden

Expected outcome: A controlled but competitive French victory, with Sweden capable of troubling them at times but ultimately lacking the consistency to match France’s attacking depth and overall quality across 90 minutes.