France predicted XI v Sweden: William Saliba and Bradley Barcola to return

France face Sweden on Tuesday at East Rutherford’s MetLife Stadium for their 2026 FIFA World Cup last-32. After winning Group I with three consecutive wins against Senegal (3-1), Iraq (3-0) and Norway (4-1), Les Bleus are the overwhelming favourites against Graham Potter’s side, although Adrien Rabiot is adamant his teammates won’t let their guard down.

Didier Deschamps, who has returned to the France camp after attending his motehr’s funeral on Friday, has announced that Inter Milan’s Marcus Thuram will miss out. Fenerbahçe’s N’Golo Kanté is also a doubt, but the pair was not expected to start anyway.

Compared to Friday’s win, Deschamps is understood to make some changes. After being rested against Norway, Arsenal’s William Saliba is set to get his spot back alongside Dayot Upamecano. Aston Villa’s Lucas Digne is expected to get the nod ahead of Théo Hernandez, who conceded a penalty against Norway.

The left side of Frace’s frightening attack is set to be tweaked too with the introduction of Bradley Barcola at the expense of Désiré Doué. Should they win against Sweden, Les Bleus will face Paraguay on July 4th.

France likely line-up v Sweden

Mike Maignan; Lucas Digne, William Saliba, Dayot Upamecano, Jules Koundé; Adrien Rabiot, Aurélien Tchouaméni; Bradley Barcola, Michael Olise, Ousmane Dembélé; Kylian Mbappé. (L’Éq)

GFFN | Bastien Cheval