30/06/2026 10:30 - Deportes
The MetLife Stadium in New Jersey—the same venue that will host the tournament final—welcomes this June 30, 2026 knockout clash packed with promise. France, one of the most feared squads on the planet, aims to prove why they're title favorites against a Swedish side hungry to pull off an upset.
The French confirmed their contender status in the group stage with a devastating campaign: nine points from three wins, ten goals scored, only two conceded. Kylian Mbappé and Ousmane Dembélé have been the standout figures, netting eight of the team's ten goals and positioning themselves among the tournament's top scorers alongside Lionel Messi.
Didier Deschamps returns to the team camp after briefly stepping away following his mother's passing, and his squad runs like clockwork. The French have now won six consecutive World Cup matches against European opponents.
France seeks redemption after their defeat in the Qatar 2022 final and hopes to replicate their Russia 2018 triumph. Deschamps is rotating between Tchouaméni, Rabiot, and Koné for two midfield spots, while the attacking trio—Olise, Mbappé, and Dembélé—remains locked in.
Probable lineup: Maignan; Koundé, Upamecano, Saliba, Theo Hernández; Tchouaméni, Rabiot; Olise, Doué, Dembélé; Mbappé.
Coached by Graham Potter, Sweden returns to the World Cup after missing Qatar 2022. The Scandinavians advanced as one of the eight best third-place teams in the tournament.
They showed two distinct faces: they routed Tunisia (5-1), suffered a heavy defeat to the Netherlands (5-1), and sealed their progression with a draw against Japan (1-1). Their attacking trident—Isak, Gyökeres, and Elanga—will be essential to any hopes of a shock result.
Probable lineup: Widell Zetterström; Lagerbielke, Hien, Lindelöf, Bernhardsson; Stroud, Ayari, Gudmundsson, Elanga; Isak, Gyökeres.
| Venue | MetLife Stadium, New Jersey (final host venue) |
| Local Kickoff | 5:00 PM ET / 17:00 New Jersey time |
| Stage | Round of 16 — Winner faces Paraguay vs Germany winner |
Sources: Infobae, El Liberal
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