France are up against Sweden in a potentially tricky World Cup last-32 showdown today. Didier Deschamps will return to the Les Bleus dugout in New Jersey after he missed his side's 4-1 win over Norway in Group I, having flown back home to attend his mother's funeral.
France's Path to the Knockouts
Back-to-back finalists France beat Senegal 3-1 in their opener and Iraq 3-0 in their second game. Kylian Mbappe scored a brace in each fixture to take his all-time World Cup finals tally to 16 - just three behind new record-holder Lionel Messi. A hat-trick on Tuesday would make Mbappe the tournament's new record goalscorer, at least until Messi's Argentina play Cape Verde on Friday.
Mbappe will lead the line for France against Graham Potter's side, while Ousmane Dembele's treble against Norway proved their attack is not just reliant on the Real Madrid striker. Michael Olise completes a fearsome attacking trio, while PSG wide men Bradley Barcola and Desire Doue have been rotated by Deschamps on the left wing. Marcus Thuram will miss out with a calf injury.
Midfield and Defensive Updates
In midfield, Adrien Rabiot and Aurelien Tchouameni started Les Bleus' opening win over Senegal, but Manu Kone came in for Tchouameni against Iraq. The Real Madrid man then returned to the side against Norway, replacing Rabiot. Whatever combination Deschamps picks for this game, they need to provide the defensive platform for their attack to flourish.
In defence, Theo Hernandez came in for Lucas Digne at left-back against Norway. Digne had started the first two games and could return here. William Saliba missed the Norway clash with a recurring back injury, but the Arsenal defender has been declared fit to play against Sweden and should replace Crystal Palace's Maxence Lacroix, lining up alongside Dayot Upamecano at centre-back. Jules Kounde's position at right-back remains secure, with Malo Gusto a good back-up option.
Goalkeeping and Predicted Lineup
Mike Maignan has performed well so far in goal and saved Jorgen Strand Larsen's spot-kick last time out. He will start again here.
Predicted France XI (4-2-3-1): Maignan; Kounde, Upamecano, Saliba, Digne; Rabiot, Kone; Dembele, Olise, Doue; Mbappe.
Match Details
Injured: Thuram. Time and date: 10pm BST on Tuesday June 30, 2026. Venue: New York/New Jersey Stadium. How to watch: ITV.
