The group stage is over now. The World Cup has moved to the knockout round. For the first time, there is a Round of 32. This round will pick the top 16 teams. One big match here is France against Sweden.
France is coached by Didier Deschamps. They have been very strong in the last two World Cups. They beat Croatia in 2018 and won the title. In 2022, they lost the final to Argentina on penalties. This time also they look strong. They won all three group games. They beat Senegal, Iraq, and Norway. France is one of the top favourites again.
Sweden took a different route. They finished bottom of their qualifying group. But their Nations League run was good enough for a play-off spot. They beat Ukraine and then Poland. And that’s how they won the World Cup. They beat Tunisia in the group stage. Then lost to the Netherlands. Then they tied with Japan.
Here are five players who can make a big impact in this match.
5. Lucas Bergvall (Sweden)
Tottenham had a poor season this year. They almost went down to a lower division. But Bergvall was one bright spot for them. He is only 20 years old. Still, he is one of the best young midfielders right now. He can play in central midfield. He can also play as a defensive midfielder. He is creative too. He tries bold passes when he gets the chance.
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4. Dayot Upamecano (France)
Dayot Upamecano has improved a lot in recent years. His game against Iraq was one of the best defensive shows in this World Cup. He has good technique. He is also very strong physically. He plays long balls well. This helps France move the ball forward fast. He has good pace too. He covers space behind the defence well. He also defends well in one-on-one battles.
3. Alexander Isak (Sweden)
Alexander Isak has faced many injuries in his career. Even he is doing well in this World Cup. He has one goal and three assists so far. That makes him one of the most useful attackers in this event. His skill with the ball is excellent. he plays well in tight spaces too. he complete may dribbles. He is fast with the ball and without the ball as well. He glides past defenders easily. He finishes chances well, too.
2. Ousmane Dembele (France)
Ousmane Dembele scored a hat-trick against Norway in the last group stage match. that made him joint top scorer for France in this FIFA World Cup. he is the current Ballon d’Or winner. He also won the Champion League again with PSG. He is very fast. He uses both feet well. He can play on the wing or through the middle. He is creative and works hard on the ball. He is a complete attacker.
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1. Kylian Mbappe (France)
Kylian Mbappe tops this list with no surprise. He has been the best player of the last two World Cups. He already has four goals in this tournament. He will want to shine against Sweden too. He is explosive with the ball. He creates space from defenders even in tight areas. This makes him one of the most feared strikers in football today. Sweden’s defence has not been great this World Cup. Mbappe could trouble them a lot.
Both teams have great players in this game. France has players both in attack and defence. Sweden has players, and a very good goal scorer in Alexander Isak. The duel between Kylian Mbappe and the defenders of Sweden could be very important. People should expect a game with lots of goals from both sides.
Also Read: Côte d’Ivoire vs Norway: Top Five Players To Watch In FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 32 Clash
