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The round of 32 rolls on tonight as France take on Sweden at the 2026 World Cup. The game takes place in New Jersey, with kick-off scheduled for 10:00pm (UK Time), and you can find our France vs Sweden predictions and best bets below.
France arrive in the knockout stages with real momentum after winning all three of their Group I matches. By contrast, Sweden only extended their World Cup campaign after claiming one of the tournament’s best third-placed qualification spots.
France vs Sweden predictions
| Our Prediction | Odds & Bookmaker | Confidence | Why We’re Backing It |
|---|---|---|---|
| Both teams to score | 1/1 @ Betfred (50.0%) | ⭐⭐⭐ | France have been the standout team at the World Cup so far, but both teams can find the net on Tuesday. Surprisingly, France’s only clean sheet in their last eight matches came against Iraq and over 2.5 goals has landed in all of their last 12 internationals. Furthermore, both teams scored in each of Sweden’s last nine games and at even money, we think this bet has a better chance of landing than the 50% that the odds suggest. |
| Ousmane Dembele anytime scorer | 6/4 @ AK Bets (40.0%) | ⭐⭐ | Confidence will be high for Ousmane Dembele after his stunning first-half hat-trick against Norway last week. The PSG man is now on four goals for the tournament, and it would be no surprise to see him build on his tally in what should be a high-scoring affair against Sweden. At 6/4, Dembele is a stand-out top price with AK Bets and he makes much more appeal than his teammate Mbappe, who is as short as 1/2 with some firms. |
Odds correct at time of writing. Please gamble responsibly.
How both teams go into France vs Sweden
France have cruised into the knockout stages after winning all three Group I matches. Didier Deschamps’ side scored 10 goals across victories over Senegal, Iraq and Norway, while Ousmane Dembele’s hat-trick in the final group game underlined the wealth of attacking talent available beyond Kylian Mbappe.
Les Bleus head into the last 32 as one of the tournament favourites, although tougher tests now await. France have looked ruthless in attack throughout the competition, but a potential route featuring Germany, the Netherlands or Morocco and Spain means they will need to maintain that level if they are to lift the World Cup.
Sweden scraped into the knockout stages after finishing third in their group with four points. Graham Potter’s side beat Tunisia, drew with Japan and suffered a heavy defeat to the Netherlands, scoring seven goals but conceding seven in the process.
The Swedes have struggled for consistency throughout their World Cup campaign, but they have still done enough to extend their stay in the tournament. However, they now face one of the competition favourites in France and will need to produce their best performance yet to reach the last 16.
France team news
Didier Deschamps is expected to recall his strongest XI after rotating during the final group game. Mike Maignan should continue in goal, with Dayot Upamecano and William Saliba forming the centre-back partnership. Jules Kounde and Theo Hernandez are set to start at full-back, giving France defensive solidity as well as attacking width.
Aurelien Tchouameni and Manu Kone should anchor the midfield, allowing Michael Olise to operate in a more advanced role. Ousmane Dembele and Desire Doue are expected to provide support from the flanks, while Kylian Mbappe leads the attack as France look to continue their impressive goalscoring form.
Sweden team news
Graham Potter is expected to set Sweden up with a compact defensive shape as they look to frustrate France. Kristoffer Nordfeldt should continue in goal behind a back three of Victor Lindelof, Isak Hien and Gustaf Lagerbielke, while Alexander Bernhardsson and Gabriel Gudmundsson provide the width from wing-back.
Yasin Ayari and Jesper Karlstrom are likely to anchor the midfield, with Anthony Elanga offering the main attacking spark between the lines. Viktor Gyokeres should lead the attack, supported by Alexander Isak, as Sweden look to threaten France on the counter-attack.
Head-to-Head
| Competition | Date | Home | Score | Away |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| UEFA Nations League | 17/11/2020 | France | 4-2 | Sweden |
| UEFA Nations League | 05/09/2020 | Sweden | 0-1 | France |
| FIFA World Cup qualification (UEFA) | 09/06/2017 | Sweden | 2-1 | France |
| FIFA World Cup qualification (UEFA) | 11/11/2016 | France | 2-1 | Sweden |
| International Friendly | 18/11/2014 | France | 1-0 | Sweden |
| UEFA Euro | 19/06/2012 | Sweden | 2-0 | France |
Can France continue their impressive run?
France are now the outright favourites to go on and win the competition after some impressive performances in the group stage. We fancy them to advance to the last 16, however backing both teams to score at even money with Betfred looks the wise wager. France’s only clean sheet in their last eight came against Iraq.
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