What to expect when France take on Sweden in their World Cup Round of 32 encounter

After already seeing Germany and the Netherlands being dispatched by supposed weaker opponents, with respect, Les Bleus will need to be on their guard to ensure that they don't suffer the same fate.

Mbappe gunning for Messi's record

The French have looked dangerous in each game that they've played at the tournament so far, and perhaps this was never better evidenced than when Ousmane Dembele plundered a first-half hat-trick in his side's 4-1 win in the final Group I game against Norway.

In Kylian Mbappe, they also have an in-form striker who will be gunning for Lionel Messi's all-time World Cup scoring record, and a hat-trick in this one will see him equal the Argentine's 19-goal mark as well as take him one clear of Messi as this World Cup's golden boot.

In seven games played this year in all competitions, France have lost one, but won the other six, whilst the Swedes have won three, drawn two and lost two.

The difference between the two sides can clearly be seen in terms of their output in their last six matches, as, even though both have scored in each of those games (France 17, Sweden 13), Les Bleus' total of just six conceded is so much better than the 14 shipped by Sweden.

Isak and Gyokeres with points to prove

10 of those goals from the French have come in the World Cup, the joint most of any side competing in the showpiece, and a 100% group record has also been achieved for the first time since 1998, when France won their first World Cup.

If Mbappe and Co. score at least three goals against Sweden, they'll become the first side ever to have done so in five successive World Cup games, but the likes of Alexander Isak and Viktor Gyokeres have their own points to prove.

The former had an injury-hit 2025/26 campaign at Liverpool, whilst the latter helped Arsenal to a first Premier League title in 22 years. 

Both will be keen to ensure Sweden's major tournament record against the French remains intact.

Weight of history against Sweden

Despite having lost 12 times and drawn five other games in their 23 H2H encounters, they drew (1-1) against Les Bleus in the 1992 European Championship and beat them (2-0) in the same competition in 2012 - the only two times they've faced each other in tournament football.

Given that in Sweden's last nine fixtures in all competitions, both teams have scored, and the same scenario has played out in seven of France's last eight games, that would suggest that this is another match which could be full of goals.

Indeed, Sweden ended the group stage with seven goals scored and seven conceded, after beating Tunisia 5-1 before being humbled by the Netherlands by the same scoreline, and rounding things off with a 1-1 draw against Japan. Results that only saw them qualify for the knockout stages as one of the best third-placed sides. 

Even with Anthony Elanga looking to become the first Swedish player since 1994 to score in three successive World Cup games, his side doesn't really have anywhere close to the depth that their opponents possess.

France's incentive for victory

Isak Hien will miss the remainder of the tournament, and if Victor Lindelof is also unable to return for Graham Potter, it could represent a real problem for them. In contrast, France have an embarrassment of riches in reserve, and that ability for Didier Deschamps to rotate as needed will likely stand his side in good stead. 

Furthermore, both Germany and the Netherlands could've been in France's way of making it to at least the semi-final of the tournament and a potentially mouth-watering clash with Spain, so with the two European giants now dispatched, it's handed Les Bleus even more of an incentive to go for broke against the Swedes.

In terms of formations, France are likely to stick with the 4-2-3-1 that has served them so well in the tournament to date, with Sweden opting for a 4-3-3.

William Saliba should return after missing the last game through injury, and Lucas Digne is knocking on the door to take Theo Hernandez's place at left-back.

It's difficult to look past a French victory, but this World Cup has already thrown up a few surprises.

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Jason Pettigrove has been the features writer for Flashscore since 2025, utilising Opta data to form the basis of his articles. He has previously worked for high profile football clubs, news and media outlets, both in print and digital, and can usually be found watching FC Barcelona when time permits. You can read more of his pieces here.