France continue their bid for a third star on their jersey, as they take on Sweden in the World Cup 2026 round of 32.
France, favourites to go all the way in North America, are naturally expected to get past an inconsistent Sweden in New Jersey, but the last 32 has already thrown up shocks. One such upset saw Paraguay eliminate Germany on penalties, and so it will be the South American side who await today’s winners.
France enter the game having comfortably overcome Senegal, Iraq and Norway, with Kylian Mbappe and Ousmane Dembele shining along the way. And although key defender William Saliba was rested against Norway due to a back issue, he is expected to return here.
Meanwhile, Sweden’s opening 5-1 win over Tunisia gave way to a 5-1 loss to Netherlands in a curious turn of events, before a draw with Japan got Graham Potter’s side safely through to the knockouts.
Follow all the action from the World Cup last-32 game, below:
Deschamps’ depth
Didier Deschamps brought Bradley Barcola in for Desire Doue today. It is a nice choice to have. It feels as though he made the right one. That was a brilliant goal.
GOAL! France 2-0 Sweden (Barcola, 53)
One more time …
This is beautiful. Tchouameni collects a loose ball in midifeld and swiftly passes to Olise. France’s creator-in-chief shimmies and shuffles, waits for the perfect pass and nutmegs Lagerbielke to find Barcola. His finish is exquisite too.
Now, with a two-goal cushion are they about to have some fun?
France 1-0 Sweden
50’ – It’s been a tame start to the second half. Tchouameni fires harmlessly over far out.
Restarted! France 1-0 Sweden
We’re playing again. No changes for either side.
First half of two halves
Miroslav Klose started this tournament the top scorer ever in World Cups. Now he is down to third. Kylian Mbappe is up to 17, past him and two behind Lionel Messi.
A first half of two halves. In the second part of it, France were simply brilliant. Sweden can be relieved they only trail by one goal.
Half-time! France 1-0 Sweden
France felt their way into it but were irresistible from the hydration break onwards.
France 1-0 Sweden
47’ – Mbappe races towards Deschamps to celebrate. A pointed decision. And the rest of France’s players soon follow to embrace as One More Time blares out.
Sweden seek to attack straight from the restart and Elanga is convinced he should have a penalty having been taken down by Digne. It is a foul – except Bergvall was offside in the build-up. That is a let off for France.
There were three minutes added on. One remains but there may be more considering the goal celebrations.
GOAL! France 1-0 Sweden (Mbappe 45)
Dembele takes it short to Olise. He gives it back and then Dembele plays low to Mbappe just inside the left side of the box. For some reason he is being tracked by Gyokeres so Mbappe shuffles in with ease, purchases enough space to shoot and makes no mistake.
