France’s pursuit of a third World Cup final in eight years moves into the knockout phase on Tuesday when Didier Deschamps’s side face Sweden at New York New Jersey Stadium.

Les Bleus cruised through Group I with maximum points and the tournament’s joint-best attacking record, while Sweden had to take the longer route after finishing third in Group F. That will not concern Graham Potter, though, whose side now have the freedom to attack without the burden of expectation.

France gathering momentum at exactly the right time

France have looked every inch a title contender. Three victories from three group matches, ten goals scored and only two conceded underline both their quality and consistency. More impressive than the numbers, however, has been the variety in their attacking play.

Kylian Mbappé remains the headline act, but opponents who focus solely on stopping him quickly discover France have plenty of other ways to hurt them. Ousmane Dembélé arrives in the knockout rounds fresh from a hat-trick against Norway, Michael Olise has quietly become one of the tournament’s most creative players and Désiré Doué continues to grow in confidence.

There are still occasional defensive lapses, particularly when France push both full-backs high, but few teams have looked capable of matching their firepower over 90 minutes.

With Deschamps preparing to step down after the tournament, there is also a growing sense that this squad wants to deliver one final triumph for the man who has overseen France’s most successful modern era.

Sweden have nothing to lose

Sweden’s route to the last 32 has been anything but straightforward. A convincing opening victory over Tunisia was followed by a sobering defeat against the Netherlands before a disciplined draw with Japan secured progression as one of the best third-placed teams.

That inconsistency has reflected much of Graham Potter’s tenure. Sweden can produce outstanding attacking football one week before looking surprisingly vulnerable the next. Their challenge is finding both in the same performance.

The encouraging news is that they possess forwards capable of troubling any defence. Alexander Isak, Viktor Gyökeres and Anthony Elanga offer pace, movement and finishing ability, meaning France cannot afford the defensive concentration lapses seen during the group stage. If Sweden are to cause an upset, they will need those three to spend far more time attacking than defending.

Team news

France are expected to welcome William Saliba back after the Arsenal defender was rested against Norway because of a back complaint. Deschamps is likely to recall several regular starters, with Aurélien Tchouaméni, Adrien Rabiot and Mbappé all returning to a full-strength lineup.

Sweden may have to reshuffle defensively following Isak Hien’s injury. Victor Lindelöf could move into central defence, allowing Lucas Bergvall to partner Yasin Ayari in midfield. Elanga, Isak and Gyökeres should continue as the front three.

Verdict

Sweden have enough attacking quality to make this a far more competitive contest than many expect, particularly if they can exploit the space behind France’s advancing full-backs.

The problem is likely to come at the opposite end. France have multiple players capable of deciding matches in an instant, and sustaining defensive concentration against them for 90 minutes is an enormous challenge.

Sweden should create opportunities, but Les Bleus possess too much depth, too much pace and too many match-winners to stumble at the first knockout hurdle.

Tip: France to win.