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France v Sweden Tips, Predictions and Bet Builder – World Cup 2026

Football: FIFA World Cup 2026 – Round of 32
Venue: MetLife Stadium
Date: 30 June 2026
Kick-off: 22:00

France v Sweden Preview

France have looked every inch one of the favourites to lift the 2026 FIFA World Cup after cruising through Group I with a perfect record, collecting nine points from a possible nine while scoring 10 goals and conceding only twice.

Didier Deschamps’ side completed their flawless group campaign with an emphatic 4-1 victory over Norway, a result that highlighted the frightening depth available to the French manager. Ousmane Dembele stole the headlines with a superb hat-trick, proving Les Bleus possess match-winners all over the pitch rather than relying solely on captain Kylian Mbappe.

That attacking depth is precisely why France remain among the bookmakers’ leading contenders to reclaim the trophy they won in 2018 before finishing runners-up in Qatar four years later. While critics have questioned whether Deschamps’ side can become too passive without possession against elite opposition, few teams have found a way to contain arguably the most dangerous forward line left in the competition.

France now begin the knockout rounds at the stadium that will also host the World Cup Final, and they will be determined to ensure this is only the first of several appearances at the venue. However, the route to glory promises to be anything but straightforward, with potential meetings against Germany, Spain and either the Netherlands or Morocco lying ahead if they continue progressing.

Standing in their way are Sweden, who reached the Round of 32 after an inconsistent group-stage campaign that ultimately yielded four points.

Graham Potter’s side began brightly with victory over Tunisia before suffering a heavy 5-1 defeat to the Netherlands, eventually securing qualification courtesy of a hard-fought 1-1 draw against Japan on the final matchday.

The Scandinavians have shown flashes of their attacking quality throughout the tournament, scoring seven goals in three matches, but defensive frailties remain a concern after conceding seven times during the group phase.

Those inconsistencies have largely mirrored Sweden’s qualification campaign, where they regularly mixed impressive performances with frustrating lapses in concentration. While reaching the knockout stages already represents an achievement after missing three of the previous four World Cups, they now face arguably the toughest possible test.

History is also against Blågult. France have won four of the previous five meetings between the nations, while three of Sweden’s last four defeats against Les Bleus have come by a single-goal margin, suggesting they are capable of making life uncomfortable even if the odds remain firmly stacked against them.

With Mbappe, Dembele, Michael Olise and Desire Doue all operating behind one of Europe’s strongest midfields, France will expect to dominate possession from the first whistle. Sweden’s best hope may lie in quick transitions through the pace of Anthony Elanga and the clinical finishing of Alexander Isak and Viktor Gyokeres.

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Brazil have been involved in four matches resulting in over 2.5 match goals within their previous five games, meanwhile Japan have been involved in two matches resulting in over 2.5 match goals within their previous five games.

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Germany come in-to the fixture in excellent goal scoring form, managing to score in all of their previous five matches with four of those matches resulting in both teams scoring. Meanwhile Paraguay have managed to score in four of their previous five games.

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Brazil come in-to the match in excellent form, unbeaten in their previous five games (winning four), with three of those fixtures resulting in both teams scoring. Meanwhile Japan come in-to the match as underdogs, and have managed to score in all five of their previous five games.

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This Round of 32 tie in Houston brings together two of the tournament’s most entertaining sides. Brazil topped Group C after drawing 1-1 with Morocco before convincing victories over Haiti (3-0) and Scotland (3-0), finishing the group with seven points and six goals scored. Japan, meanwhile, progressed from Group F after thrashing Tunisia 4-0 before drawing 1-1 with Sweden to secure second place. The knockout stage presents a fascinating tactical battle, with Carlo Ancelotti’s Brazil seeking revenge after their shock 3-2 friendly defeat to Japan in October 2025. Reuters notes that Brazil have become increasingly balanced under Ancelotti but remain one of the tournament favourites, while Japan have shown they can trouble elite opposition with their pace in transition. Japan’s attack has scored five goals in the group stage, while Brazil have conceded in only one of their three matches, but Japan possess enough quality to find the net.

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Knockout football often produces higher corner counts as matches become more tactically intense and teams spend longer periods attacking when chasing a result. Brazil have consistently dominated possession throughout the tournament, using the width provided by Vinícius Júnior, Raphinha and overlapping full-backs to create crossing opportunities. Japan, meanwhile, are unlikely to abandon their aggressive approach despite facing one of the tournament favourites and have regularly attacked through wide areas under Hajime Moriyasu. If Japan fall behind, they will have no option but to push numbers forward, increasing the likelihood of sustained attacking pressure from both sides.

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Matheus Cunha has become an increasingly important figure in Brazil’s attack during this World Cup. After coming off the bench against Morocco, he was promoted to the starting XI for the Haiti match, where Carlo Ancelotti rewarded his movement and pressing by keeping him alongside Vinícius Júnior and Raphinha. Reuters confirmed Cunha retained Ancelotti’s confidence after his impressive performances during the group stage.

Cunha’s style is perfectly suited to knockout football. His willingness to run beyond defenders, press from the front and attack central areas regularly leads to shooting opportunities. Brazil averaged two goals per game in the group stage, and against a Japanese side likely to leave space in transition, Cunha should receive opportunities to test Zion Suzuki if he starts.

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Germany v Paraguay Tips, Predictions and Bet Builder – World Cup 2026

Football: World Cup 2026 – Round of 32
Venue: TBC
Date: 29 June 2026
Kick-off: 21:30

Germany v Paraguay Preview

Germany begin the knockout phase determined to rediscover the ruthless form that made them one of the tournament’s standout teams during the opening week. While Julian Nagelsmann’s side booked their place in the Round of 32 with victories over Curacao and Ivory Coast, a disappointing 2-1 defeat to Ecuador on the final matchday served as a timely reminder that there is still room for improvement.

Despite already securing qualification before facing Ecuador, Germany were second best for long spells and paid the price for defensive lapses. However, the defeat is unlikely to derail confidence within the camp, with Die Mannschaft having scored nine goals in their opening two matches and still possessing one of the tournament’s most dangerous attacking units.

Germany remain four-time world champions and, although they entered the tournament slightly under the radar following successive group-stage exits in 2018 and 2022, Nagelsmann’s youthful squad has shown enough quality to suggest they can challenge the world’s elite if they recapture their attacking fluency.

A return to knockout football should also sharpen Germany’s focus. Their front four of Florian Wirtz, Jamal Musiala, Leroy Sane and Kai Havertz have regularly overwhelmed opponents with movement and creativity, while substitutes such as Deniz Undav have provided genuine game-changing quality from the bench.

Standing in their way are Paraguay, one of the best-performing third-placed teams after navigating a difficult Group D. Gustavo Alfaro’s side accumulated four points from three matches, defeating Turkey before drawing with Australia to edge into the knockout rounds on goal difference.

Paraguay have built their success on defensive discipline rather than attacking flair. They have conceded only twice in the tournament, but goals remain a concern after scoring just once in the group stage.

The South Americans will believe they can frustrate Germany for long periods, particularly having earned a memorable 3-3 draw when the sides last met in a friendly in 2013. However, history favours Die Mannschaft, who eliminated Paraguay 1-0 in the Round of 16 at the 2002 World Cup thanks to Oliver Neuville’s late winner.

With a place in the last 16 at stake, Germany are expected to dominate possession, while Paraguay will look to remain compact before attempting to exploit counter-attacking opportunities through Miguel Almiron.

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This is the decisive Group G finale and Egypt are in the strongest position heading into Matchday 3. After drawing 1-1 with Belgium and producing a superb 3-1 comeback victory over New Zealand, the Pharaohs sit top of the group on four points and know that a win guarantees qualification for the Round of 32. Mohamed Salah has been central to Egypt’s success, contributing key goals and assists, while Omar Marmoush has provided a constant threat in transition. Iran have been difficult to beat, drawing with both New Zealand and Belgium, but they have won just one of their last eight World Cup matches. With Egypt carrying momentum and possessing the group’s most dangerous attacking duo, they look well placed to secure top spot.

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This is effectively a must-win game for Senegal. Consecutive defeats to France and Norway have left the African side bottom of Group I and needing three points to retain any realistic hope of progressing as one of the best third-placed teams. Senegal showed plenty of attacking quality despite losing 3-2 to Norway, with Ismaila Sarr scoring twice and generating several dangerous moments in the final third. Reuters reported that captain Kalidou Koulibaly has publicly challenged the squad to respond after their disappointing start, highlighting the urgency surrounding this fixture. Iraq have also struggled defensively throughout the tournament, conceding four goals against Norway in their opener. That defensive vulnerability could be exposed by Senegal’s pace and attacking quality.

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Group K remains one of the most open groups in the tournament, but DR Congo have given themselves a genuine chance of qualification after earning a valuable draw against Portugal earlier in the competition. Uzbekistan, meanwhile, suffered a heavy 5-0 defeat to Portugal that left their qualification hopes hanging by a thread. Heading into the final round of fixtures, DR Congo know that victory could potentially secure progression depending on the outcome of Colombia versus Portugal. Uzbekistan have shown admirable spirit during their first-ever World Cup appearance but have struggled defensively against elite opposition. DR Congo’s physicality, athleticism and growing confidence make them slight favourites in what should be a tightly contested affair.

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Austria arrive at the final Group J fixture in a strong position after opening their campaign with a 3-1 victory over Jordan, while Algeria suffered a 3-0 defeat against Argentina in their opening match. Ralf Rangnick’s side have continued to demonstrate the high-energy pressing style that has made them one of Europe’s most difficult opponents over the past two years. Players such as Christoph Baumgartner, Marcel Sabitzer and Konrad Laimer have provided Austria with a blend of creativity and intensity, while David Alaba’s leadership remains invaluable. Algeria possess attacking talent and cannot be underestimated, but Austria’s structure, organisation and superior recent tournament form give them the edge heading into this winner-takes-all encounter.