France will arrive with one of the most impressive performances in the group. Didier Deschamps led Les Bleus to a perfect record in Group I, winning all three games to finish with nine points and scoring 10 goals and conceding just twice. Their success at both ends of the game has cemented their position as genuine contenders, with Opta estimates and bookies continuing to place them among the favorites remaining in the competition.
Meanwhile, Sweden has had a tough road to reach the knockout stages. Jon Dahl Tomasson’s side finished third in Group F after recording one win, one draw and one defeat, collecting four points to move into the third best of the competition. Their campaign is defined by attacking objectives rather than defensive ones. Sweden have scored seven goals in three games but have conceded seven at the other end, making them one of the most exciting teams in the competition so far.
Both sides come with familiar concerns about the decision. France will have to cope without Marcus Thuram, who has been ruled out through injury, while Sweden have suffered a major setback with the absence of first-choice defender Isak Hien, leaving a vulnerable backline to be managed by one of the most dangerous men of the tournament.
France’s strength lies in the depth and diversity of their squad. Kylian Mbappé continues to lead the charge, supported by the pace and skill of Ousmane Dembélé and Michaël Olise. Aurélien Tchouaméni and Adrien Rabiot provide support in midfield, while William Saliba and Dayot Upamecano anchor a defense that has looked assured throughout the tournament.
Sweden has attacks that can trouble any opponent. Alexander Isak and Viktor Gyökeres are among the best players left in the competition, Lucas Bergvall has emerged as the heartbeat of the midfield, and Anthony Elanga’s pace offers a chance to continue.
This will also be an unforgettable experience. Despite sharing a long history of football, France and Sweden have never met at the FIFA World Cup. In 23 meetings in all competitions, France have won 12 times compared to Sweden’s six victories, with five matches ending in draws.
France brings a series of two World Cup titles, won in 1998 and 2018, while Sweden continues to seek the first world crown after finishing third in 1994. The winner’s prize is already known. Paraguay await in the Round of 16 after producing one of the tournament’s biggest upsets by eliminating four-legged rivals Germany on penalties. France go in as favourites, but Sweden have already shown in this World Cup that they can make life difficult for their favourites.