France v Sweden: World Cup last 32 predictions, best bets and odds

Odds courtesy of bet365. Correct at the time of publication and subject to change.

The group was tough, but Les Bleus rose to the challenge brilliantly. Three matches, three wins, ten goals scored, only two conceded: for only the second time in their history after 1998, they have achieved a clean sweep in the World Cup group stage. Beyond the numbers, what stands out is the impression of a team growing stronger, driven by a feared attacking line featuring Kylian Mbappé, Ousmane Dembélé, Michael Olise, Désiré Doué and Bradley Barcola.

Flashscore is on YouTube!

World Cup match analysis in under 60 seconds, powered by Opta — that's Flashscore Edge. New episodes throughout the tournament.

Want the full picture? Interviews, tactical deep dives and tournament coverage on Flashscore Main.

Yet it hasn't all been plain sailing. Against Senegal, Les Bleus were under pressure for long spells before a brace from Kylian Mbappé—who became France's all-time top scorer, overtaking Olivier Giroud—secured a 3-1 win. Against Iraq, they were in total control despite a match interrupted by a thunderstorm, finishing 3-0 thanks to another Mbappé double and a goal from Ousmane Dembélé. Finally, against Norway, the reigning Ballon d'Or winner produced a top-class hat-trick in a comprehensive 4-1 victory, confirming the depth of a squad where competition pushes everyone to raise their game.

France head into the round of 32 with confidence and one certainty: when their attack clicks, they can blow away any opponent.

Sweden, on the other hand, have had a more mixed campaign. They started with a statement win over Tunisia (5-1), inspired by a brace from Yasin Ayari. They then suffered a heavy defeat to a faster, more clinical Netherlands side (5-1), with Brian Brobbey and Cody Gakpo doing the damage. Then came a tense draw with Japan (1-1), where Anthony Elanga and Alexander Isak helped them get back on track. This is a team that impresses going forward, with Viktor Gyökeres leading the line, but which shows defensive frailties at the highest level, and heads into the knockout stage with as many questions as certainties.

France v Sweden predictions

•    France to win & both teams to score - 31/20 with Bet365

•    France: Over 1.5 goals - 13/50 with Bet365

•    Michael Olise to be decisive - 11/20 with Bet365

Odds provided by Betclic, correct at the time of writing and subject to change.

Sponsored content

bet365

One of the UK's leading bookmakers. See the latest welcome offers and sign-up details.

Claim your bet365 bonus | bet365 review | Flashscore's betting hub

18+. Please gamble responsibly. BeGambleAware.org

France to win and both teams to score

The scenario of a French win with a Swedish goal looks logical given the attacking momentum of both sides. France have shown impressive firepower, having scored at least three goals in each of their last four World Cup matches, and are on a run of six consecutive wins against European nations in the competition. This is a streak set to be tested, as no team has ever managed a seventh such win in World Cup history.

That said, the French defence is not completely watertight. With two goals conceded in three matches, the balance is generally under control, but the very attacking line-up of Les Bleus—featuring Kylian Mbappé, Ousmane Dembélé, Michael Olise and Désiré Doué or Bradley Barcola—naturally leaves space for opponents to exploit on the break. Senegal already managed to take advantage, while Norway could have done more if not for a decisive performance from Mike Maignan, especially saving a penalty from Jørgen Strand Larsen. This pattern suggests opportunities for a Swedish side capable of breaking quickly and punishing any gaps they find.

Because going forward, the Scandinavians have shown real quality. Sweden have scored in all three group matches, including against the Netherlands despite a heavy defeat, thanks to the individual talent of their attacking players such as Viktor Gyökeres, Anthony Elanga and Alexander Isak. Their ability to make an impact in attack increases the likelihood of both teams scoring in what should be an open, high-tempo match.

Tip: France to win and both teams to score @ 31/20

Bet explanation: France must win in regular time and Sweden must also score at least one goal in the match.

France to score over 1.5 goals

The French attack has not had a single off day since the start of this World Cup. Ten goals in three group matches—an average of over three per game—and a run of four consecutive matches with at least three goals scored, a feat no team has ever achieved five times in a row in the tournament's history.

This consistency is down to the depth of attacking options selected by Didier Deschamps. There are plenty of solutions and competition is pushing everyone to raise their level. Against a Swedish defence that has already shown significant weaknesses, especially in the heavy defeat to the Netherlands, the idea that Les Bleus will score at least two goals seems highly credible rather than just a bet on current form.

Tip: France to score over 1.5 goals @ 13/50

Bet explanation: France must score at least two goals in the match, regardless of how many Sweden score.

Michael Olise to be decisive

The only one of France's five main attacking threats yet to score at this World Cup, Michael Olise remains one of the most influential players in the French campaign. The Bayern Munich winger already has three assists in three matches, putting him among the tournament's top providers alongside Alexander Isak and Bruno Guimarães.

This effectiveness is down to his decision-making and his ability to keep the play flowing in an attacking unit full of finishers. With Kylian Mbappé, Ousmane Dembélé, Désiré Doué and Bradley Barcola, there are plenty of runs and options, and Olise often acts as the starting point for decisive moves. Against a Swedish defence already exposed several times in the group stage, it seems logical that this trend will continue, whether through another assist or his first goal of the tournament.

Prediction: Michael Olise to be decisive @ 11/20

Bet explanation: Michael Olise must either score or provide an assist during regular time in the match.

France v Sweden: Match odds

•    France - 7/25 with Bet365

•    Draw - 5/1 with Bet365 

•    Sweden - 10/11 with Bet365

Odds, correct at the time of publication, are subject to change.

France v Sweden: Qualification odds

•    France to qualify - 3/25 with Bet365

•    Sweden to qualify - 49/10 with Bet365

Odds, correct at the time of publication, are subject to change.