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Rabat – France and Sweden have announced their starting lineups for their World Cup round-of-32 match at New York New Jersey Stadium.
France head coach Didier Deschamps has selected his strongest attacking options, with captain Kylian Mbappé starting up front.
Ousmane Dembélé, Michael Olise and Bradley Barcola will support the Real Madrid forward as France seek to continue their impressive tournament form.
Sweden coach Graham Potter has responded with an attacking front three of Alexander Isak, Viktor Gyökeres and Anthony Elanga.
The winner will face Paraguay in the round of 16 after the South American side eliminated Germany on penalties.
France restore key players
Mike Maignan starts in goal for France behind a defensive line of Jules Koundé, William Saliba, Dayot Upamecano and Lucas Digne.
Saliba returns to the starting lineup after being rested against Norway because of back discomfort.
Aurélien Tchouaméni and Adrien Rabiot form the central midfield partnership, protecting France’s four attacking players.
Barcola starts on the left after competing with Désiré Doué for the position throughout the group stage.
Mbappé will lead the line, while Dembélé enters the knockout rounds in strong form after scoring a hat-trick during France’s 4-1 victory over Norway.
France: Mike Maignan; Jules Koundé, William Saliba, Dayot Upamecano, Lucas Digne; Aurélien Tchouaméni, Adrien Rabiot; Michael Olise, Ousmane Dembélé, Bradley Barcola; Kylian Mbappé.
Marcus Thuram is unavailable because of a calf injury, while N’Golo Kanté is not included in the starting lineup.
France finished top of Group I after winning all three matches and scoring 10 goals.
Sweden start three forwards
Jacob Widell Zetterström starts in goal for Sweden.
Victor Lindelöf leads the defense alongside Gustaf Lagerbielke and Gabriel Gudmundsson, with Daniel Svensson and Elliot Stroud expected to operate as wing-backs.
Lucas Bergvall and Yasin Ayari start in central midfield.
Potter has chosen an ambitious attack featuring Elanga, Gyökeres and Isak, giving Sweden pace, strength and movement in the final third.
Sweden: Jacob Widell Zetterström; Daniel Svensson, Gustaf Lagerbielke, Victor Lindelöf, Gabriel Gudmundsson, Elliot Stroud; Lucas Bergvall, Yasin Ayari; Anthony Elanga, Viktor Gyökeres, Alexander Isak.
Sweden are without Isak Hien,asin Ayari; Anthony Elanga, Viktor Gyökeres, Alexander Isak.
Sweden are without Isak Hien, whose tournament ended after he suffered a hamstring injury.
Lindelöf has therefore moved into the center of the defense, while Bergvall and Svensson have been brought into the team.
