World Cup 2026: France line up in a 4-2-3-1 with Mbappé captain against Sweden’s 3-4-2-1

This knockout clash brings together two nations that have not yet begun their World Cup. The duel pits a France team rich in attacking talent but without Marcus Thuram, who is ruled out, against a Swedish side using a compact three-defender setup, without Isak Hien, who has a hamstring injury.

France coach Didier Deschamps has put his faith in a starting XI featuring key players such as Mike Maignan in goal, defenders Jules Koundé and Dayot Upamecano, as well as the midfield pairing of Aurélien Tchouaméni and Adrien Rabiot. The attack is built around Ousmane Dembélé, Michael Olise and Bradley Barcola behind Mbappé.

For his part, Graham Potter has gone with Sweden in a 3-4-2-1 with goalkeeper Jacob Widell Zetterström and a three-man defensive line made up of Gustaf Lagerbielke, Victor Lindelöf and Gabriel Gudmundsson. The midfield includes Daniel Svensson, Yasin Ayari, Lucas Bergvall and Elliot Stroud, supporting an attack led by Anthony Elanga, Viktor Gyökeres and Alexander Isak.

Reading France’s starting XI

Didier Deschamps lines up in a 4-2-3-1 clearly geared toward a balance between solidity and creativity. Mike Maignan starts in goal, while the defence is built around Jules Koundé and Dayot Upamecano in the centre, flanked by William Saliba on the right and Lucas Digne on the left. The defensive midfield pairing of Aurélien Tchouaméni and Adrien Rabiot ensures control in midfield and a first line of protection against opposition attacks.

In attack, Ousmane Dembélé and Michael Olise occupy the wings, giving Mbappé angles and space to operate as the centre-forward. Bradley Barcola completes this attacking trio, allowing for mobility and varied combinations. Mbappé, the captain, will be the key figure in a system designed to tilt the match.

On the bench, the absence of Marcus Thuram is felt as an attacking loss, with N’Golo Kanté doubtful. Several young players, such as Rayan Cherki and Warren Zaïre-Emery, provide interesting depth to the squad.

Reading Sweden’s starting XI

With a 3-4-2-1 setup, Sweden are relying on a physical and compact organisation with Jacob Widell Zetterström in goal. Graham Potter’s three-man defence features Gustaf Lagerbielke, Victor Lindelöf and Gabriel Gudmundsson, noted for their performances at club and international level.

The relatively dense midfield is made up of Daniel Svensson, Yasin Ayari, Lucas Bergvall and Elliot Stroud, combining balance and attacking support. Anthony Elanga and Viktor Gyökeres join Alexander Isak in attack, although Isak Hien is absent through injury, depriving Sweden of defensive support on the flanks.

This Swedish formation prioritises defensive solidity in an attempt to contain France’s multiple attacking threats and hope to spark the match through quick counterattacks or set pieces.