Mbappé's France flawless: a Sweden test in the R32

In the France-Sweden clash to be played at MetLife Stadium — the venue for the final too — in the World Cup Round of 32, Les Bleus are the clear favorites. Regarded as one of the tournament's strongest contenders, France enter the knockouts after a perfect group campaign.

Didier Deschamps's France topped the group with three wins from three; after beating Senegal 3-1 and Iraq 3-0, they swept past Norway 4-1 thanks to a Dembélé hat-trick. It was the team's first perfect group campaign since 1998. Kylian Mbappé has reached four goals at the tournament and is chasing Lionel Messi's record. Rested against Norway, Saliba has returned to training and is expected to start; Thuram is out of the squad with a calf injury. Having returned to the team after his mother's funeral, Deschamps's announcement that he will step down after the tournament is also on France's agenda.

Sweden, meanwhile, booked their place in the last 32 as one of the eight best third-placed teams. Graham Potter's side beat Tunisia 5-1 in the group, lost by the same score to the Netherlands and drew 1-1 with Japan. In defense, Hien ended his tournament with a hamstring injury, further straining Sweden's already fragile backline. Still, the strike pair of Gyökeres and Isak is good enough to threaten any defense.

France have won most of the teams' past meetings; but some of Sweden's recent defeats came by a single goal. On paper France look superior, yet Sweden's attacking power keeps the chance of an upset alive. The winner will face Paraguay in the last 16.

🇫🇷 France (4-2-3-1): Maignan; Koundé, Upamecano, Saliba, Digne; Tchouaméni, Rabiot; Dembélé, Olise, Doué; Mbappé (Deschamps)
🇸🇪 Sweden (3-4-3): Zetterström; Lagerbielke, Lindelöf, Gudmundsson; Bernhardsson, Ayari, Karlström, Stroud; Elanga, Gyökeres, Isak (Graham Potter)

Image: Sports Illustrated