The French have appeared in the finals of the last two World Cups and qualified for this tournament smoothly, recording just one draw in six qualification matches. Moreover, they’ve been flawless here as well: first beating Senegal 3-1, then routing Iraq (3-0) and Norway (4-1).
Sweden struggled in the standard qualifying campaign. However, after entering the March playoffs via the “Nations League path,” they managed to defeat both Ukraine and Poland. This finally brought them back to the World Cup, where they started with a 5-1 win over Tunisia. Afterwards, however, they suffered a heavy, “mirror” defeat against the Netherlands. Against Japan, a draw was enough for both sides to reach the playoffs—and that’s how it ended, 1-1.
Mbappé and company currently average 2.8 goals scored and concede one per match. Their Scandinavian opponent has a negative ratio: 1.8 goals scored and as many as 2.1 conceded per game.
Previous Matches: France vs Sweden
France, under Deschamps, have won four times—including the last two meetings—while losing just once.
Perhaps the hosts won’t secure as big a win as their Dutch neighbors, but they should prevail by more than one goal—take France with a -1.5 goal handicap (odds – 1.86).
France vs Sweden: Key Stats and Trends
France have won four matches in a row
80% of France’s matches see both teams score, with an average of 3.8 goals per match
Sweden have won just one of their last five matches
90% of Sweden’s matches see both teams score, with an average of 3.9 goals per match
France vs Sweden: Probable Starting Lineups
France are expected to play in a 1-4-2-3-1 formation: Maignan – Digne, Saliba, Upamecano, Koundé – Rabiot, Koné – Barcola, Olise, Dembélé – Mbappé.
Sweden are likely to line up in a 1-3-4-3 formation: Wiedell-Setterström – Gudmundsson, Hien, Lagerbielke – Stroud, Ayari, Lindelöf, Bernhardsson – Isak, Gyökeres, Elanga.
