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Sweden's quest for a shock World Cup run meets an immediate test against France, with Graham Potter's side facing Didier Deschamps' men in their round of 32 clash at MetLife Stadium, East Rutherford on Tuesday.
Les Bleus swept through Group I with a perfect record, scoring 10 goals across victories over Senegal, Iraq and Norway, reflecting how potent the 2018 World champions have been at this tournament.
Sweden, meanwhile, finished third in Group F, with one win, one draw and one defeat from their three matches at the 2026 World Cup.
Read our prediction, preview and betting tips for the game below, and make sure to check out our today's betting tips page for more of our expert predictions, as well as our best 2026 World Cup betting offers and free bets.
France vs. Sweden key stats
- Kylian Mbappe has scored four goals across his three appearances at the ongoing World Cup.
- France have won four of the last five meetings between the two nations.
- Sweden have managed just three victories in their last 10 matches, conceding an average of 2.1 goals per game.
France vs. Sweden preview: Les Bleus aim to extend dominant World Cup form
| France | vs | Sweden |
|---|---|---|
| 3 | FIFA Ranking | 38 |
| Kylian Mbappe (101) | Most Caps | Victor Lindelof (79) |
| Kylian Mbappe (60) | Most Goals | Viktor Gyokeres (21) |
| 848 | Total Caps | 567 |
| 110 | Total Goals | 72 |
| 1 | Uncapped Players | 0 |
France have been nothing short of imperious at this World Cup, with each performance strengthening their credentials as genuine title contenders as Les Bleus aim to reach a third consecutive World Cup final.
The 2018 world champions opened this summer's tournament with a 3-1 victory over Senegal before comfortably beating Iraq 3-0 and rounding off the group stage with a 4-1 triumph against Norway to seal top spot in Group I.
France have now won each of their last four matches, including a 3-1 success over Northern Ireland in their final pre-World Cup fixture, where Michael Olise scored a hat-trick.
Les Bleus' latest three-goal hero was Ousmane Dembele, who recorded the second-fastest hat trick in World Cup history after his starring display against Norway.
Kylian Mbappe, however, remains France's main attacking threat, with his four goals at the tournament in North America taking him level with Miroslav Klose's previous all-time World Cup record of 16.
The 27-year-old forward is now three goals behind Lionel Messi’s newly set all-time record and will be eager to close the gap against a vulnerable Swedish defence on Tuesday.
Indeed, Sweden have failed to keep a clean sheet since last summer's 2-0 friendly victory over Hungary, conceding 30 goals across their last 14 matches.
The Blue and Yellow's World Cup campaign began with a convincing 5-1 win over Tunisia before they suffered a heavy 5-1 defeat to the Netherlands on matchday two.
A 1-1 draw against Japan in their final group fixture was enough for Graham Potter's men to finish third in Group F and progress to the round of 32 as one of the best third-placed teams.
Sweden will once again rely on Alexander Isak and Viktor Gyokeres to provide the attacking spark, but the absence of Isak Hien through a hamstring injury sustained against Japan further weakens an already fragile back line, while Victor Lindelof remains a fitness concern after being substituted in the same match.
France vs. Sweden form guide & betting tips
| France | vs | Sweden |
|---|---|---|
LWWWW |
Form | LDWLD |
| 14 | Goals For | 10 |
| 5 | Goals Against | 12 |
WWW |
World Cup 2026 | WLD |
Whispers predicts: France 3-1 Sweden
France are overwhelming favourites at 1/4 (1.25), and that price is fully justified against a Swedish side ranked 35 places below them in the FIFA standings, although the greater value appears to lie in the goals markets.
Over 3.5 goals at 6/5 (2.20) stands out as the best selection, considering Les Bleus have scored 10 times in three group matches and the Blue and Yellow's defensive record offers little encouragement.
Both teams to score also appeals at 19/20 (1.95), with Sweden possessing genuine attacking quality through Gyokeres and Isak, who are capable of punishing any lapse in concentration from the French back line.
Meanwhile, Mbappe anytime scorer at around 8/13 (1.62) is another strong option given his outstanding form and France's expected dominance, while a 3-1 correct score in favour of Les Bleus is available at 10/1 (11.00).
> France win 1/4 (1.25) | Likelihood: Likely
> Kylian Mbappe anytime scorer at 8/13 (1.62) | Likelihood: Likely
> BTTS at 19/20 (1.95) | Likelihood: Feasible
> Over 3.5 goals at 6/5 (2.20) | Likelihood: Feasible
> Correct score – France 3-1 Sweden at 10/1 (11.00) | Likelihood: Outsider