France take on Sweden in the last 32 of the World Cup today, with Les Bleus heavily favored to advance and set up a last-16 clash against Paraguay, who stunned Germany on penalties earlier this week.
Kick-off Time and Venue
The match is scheduled for a 10pm BST kick-off on Tuesday, June 30, 2026, at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey.
Where to Watch
In the UK, the game will be televised live and free-to-air on ITV1, with coverage starting at 9.30pm BST. Viewers can also stream the match live via the ITVX app or ITV website. Highlights will be available on FIFA's official YouTube channel, as well as on ITVX and BBC iPlayer.
Team News
France head coach Didier Deschamps returns to the dugout after missing the 4-1 win over Norway to attend his mother's funeral. He is expected to bring back rested players, including Arsenal defender William Saliba. The star-studded attack is mostly settled, with Michael Olise, Ousmane Dembele, and Kylian Mbappe all guaranteed to start when available. The left side is less certain, with Paris Saint-Germain pair Desire Doue and Bradley Barcola rotated. Theo Hernandez may keep his place at left-back over Lucas Digne. Marcus Thuram has a slight calf issue and is touch-and-go for the match.
Sweden suffered a significant blow as Atalanta defender Isak Hien was ruled out for the rest of the tournament after an injury against Japan. Captain Victor Lindelof will drop back into defense after featuring in midfield. Goalkeeper Kristoffer Nordfeldt was dropped for the Japan game, with Jacob Widell Zetterstrom starting. Anthony Elanga, who scored from the bench against the Netherlands and then started and scored against Japan, should join Viktor Gyokeres and Alexander Isak in attack.
Prediction
France are one of the tournament favorites, with their attackers on fire and a solid defense even with rotation. Deschamps has taken Les Bleus to two World Cup finals as manager, winning in 2018, and captained them to the 1998 title. Sweden have blown hot and cold, so a comfortable France win is expected. Prediction: France 4-1 Sweden.
Head-to-Head
This is the first meeting between France and Sweden at the World Cup finals. They have faced each other in qualification campaigns in 1969, 1993, and 2016. Overall, France have 12 wins, Sweden 6, and there have been 5 draws.
Odds
France to win: 1/4, Sweden to win: 10/1, Draw: 9/2. Odds via UK betting sites and subject to change.
