New York/New Jersey: France face Sweden in World Cup round of 32 amidst heatwave
France prepare for Sweden challenge
France are set to play Sweden in the World Cup 2026 round of 32. The match takes place in New Jersey, where temperatures are notably high, with forecasts suggesting it could feel like 36C by kick-off. This heat could lead to hydration breaks during the game.
Didier Deschamps, the France head coach, has returned to the touchline for this match. He missed France‘s previous game against Norway to attend his mother’s funeral. His return sees four changes to the starting XI that defeated Norway 4-1. Lucas Digne, Adrien Rabiot, William Saliba, and Bradley Barcola are all included in the starting lineup, with Manu Kone, Maxence Lacroix, Desire Doue, and Theo Hernandez moving to the bench. Kylian Mbappe will captain the side.
France enters this stage having won all three of their group-stage fixtures. Their campaign began with a 3-1 victory over Senegal, followed by a 3-0 win against Iraq, and a 4-1 dispatching of Norway. Kylian Mbappe and Ousmane Dembele have been key players, each scoring four goals in the tournament so far. Their combined five World Cup goals for France mark them as one of the most prolific duos on record since 1966.
Sweden, managed by Graham Potter, qualified for the round of 32 as one of the best third-placed teams. They secured their spot after drawing 1-1 with Japan in their final group match, with Anthony Elanga scoring in the second half. Their group stage started with a 5-1 win against Tunisia, but they then experienced a 5-1 loss to the Netherlands.
Squad updates and player focus
For Sweden, Graham Potter has made two changes from their draw against Japan, bringing in Svensson and Bergvall for Bernhardsson and Hien. The team’s attacking lineup features Viktor Gyokeres, Alexander Isak, and Anthony Elanga. Gyokeres, Isak, and Elanga are familiar names to fans of English football.
Kylian Mbappe is a significant focus for France, having already scored 16 World Cup goals. He is pursuing the Golden Boot in this tournament. Ousmane Dembele also comes into the match in strong form, having scored a hat-trick against Norway.
The selection of Bradley Barcola in the starting XI for France is notable. Reports indicate that Arsenal are interested in the Paris St-Germain forward and plan to observe his performance in this match against Sweden. Liverpool is also believed to be tracking him. Barcola‘s contract with Paris St-Germain is set to expire in the summer of 2028.
The depth of talent in the France squad has been highlighted, with some comparing it to the Brazil teams of 1958-1970. Didier Deschamps is known for his ability to adapt his team’s system during tournaments, a pattern that appears to be continuing in this World Cup.
Path to the next round
The winner of the match between France and Sweden will face Paraguay in the last 16. Paraguay advanced after defeating Germany in a penalty shootout. This upcoming match for France would be held in Philadelphia on 4 July.
France‘s supporters have shown strong presence, with fans reportedly gathering at Brooklyn Bridge on the eve of the match. The team has overcome challenges such as storm delays in Philadelphia and the absence of their coach, Didier Deschamps, in Miami during the group stage.
Despite France being considered favourites, the round of 32 has already seen unexpected results, such as Paraguay eliminating Germany. Sweden‘s journey to this stage involved finishing third in Group F with four points, behind the Netherlands and Japan.
The match kicks off at 22:00 BST.
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Source: bbc.co.uk
Amelia Stockwell is a Sports Reporter at News GB. She covered two Commonwealth Games for a national outlet. She focuses on tennis, cricket and athletics and is known for clear, deadline-driven reporting. She holds a degree in Sport and Media from the University of York and completed an NCTJ diploma. Now based in York, she runs with a local club and follows county cricket. “The quiet stories often matter most by the end of the season.”
