Sweden face France’s attacking firepower at the World Cup

France unleash their devastating forward line on Sweden in a last-32 tie at the World Cup on Tuesday, while Erling Haaland will try to fire Norway past the Ivory Coast into the next round.

Co-hosts Mexico meanwhile bid to continue their journey in front of a fervent crowd at the Estadio Azteca when they take on Ecuador.

The Swedish defence is bracing to face not only Kylian Mbappe, who has scored four times already in this tournament, but also Ballon d’Or winner Ousmane Dembele, who notched a hat-trick in a 4-1 win against Norway in the group stage.

Completing the French trio is Michael Olise, whose runs at defenders have been creating havoc.

With attacking swagger and midfield flair, Les Bleus appear well-placed to reach their third final in as many World Cups.

The only question mark might be their defence — and Sweden have their own high-profile forward line who will try to unlock it, although Premier League duo Alexander Isak and Viktor Gyokeres have not fully fired yet at this tournament.

If France get past Sweden, they will face not Germany — who were beaten in a penalty shootout for the first time in World Cup history on Monday — but their conquerors Paraguay.

France coach Didier Deschamps said Sweden had “nothing to lose”.

“Sweden are playing for their survival. Obviously they will do everything to win the game,” Deschamps said on Monday.

“We need to stay humble, maintain our determination and concentration. In the group stage winning the first game gave us some margin for error, but now we have no second chances.”

France came into the World Cup as one of the leading contenders to win the trophy, following their triumph in 2018 and defeat on penalties to Argentina in the 2022 final.

Sweden’s route to the World Cup was unusual — they finished bottom of their qualifying group but were parachuted into the play-offs thanks to their performances in the UEFA Nations League.

They reached the knockout rounds in North America, despite a 5-1 drubbing by the Netherlands, as one of the best third-placed teams in the group phase.

Sweden coach Graham Potter said his team would have to produce something special to beat France.

“They have quality all over… They have won the World Cup before and they have a fantastic manager,” Englishman Potter said Monday.

“An exciting challenge awaits us, and we will have to play the game of our lives, clearly.”