JAKARTA, JOURNALARTA.COM – France face Sweden in the 2026 World Cup round of 16 on Wednesday, July 1, 2026, at 04:00 WIB at MetLife Stadium, East Rutherford, New Jersey. This may be the most anticipated match tonight: Kylian Mbappé vs Alexander Isak, two of the most dangerous strikers in the tournament.
The stakes are clear: one ticket to the quarterfinals. France arrive on a strong note after a 3-1 thrashing of Brazil, while Sweden have just stunned Germany 3-1 two days ago. It will not be an easy match for either side.
France vs Sweden Score Prediction
France are slight favorites. Score prediction: France 2-1 Sweden.
The reasons are concrete. In the last six meetings, France have won four times, Sweden once, with one draw. Their most recent meeting in the 2024 Nations League ended 2-0 for France through a Mbappé brace. The head-to-head record clearly favors Les Bleus.
In terms of form, Mbappé is in his best touch: two goals plus one assist against Brazil. France’s midfield is also solid, with Kanté beginning to return to his best level, supported by Tchouaméni and Rabiot.
Sweden have a problem. Key midfielder Marcus Olsson is out injured, leaving a gap in the midfield that France can exploit through quick counterattacks, a style that also suits the wide MetLife Stadium pitch.
But do not underestimate them. Isak and Gyökeres are a brutal striker pair. Viktor Gyökeres scored twice as Sweden beat Germany, and Dejan Kulusevski has continued to trouble opposing defenses throughout the tournament. If Sweden can press from the start, France could be in trouble.
| Team | Last 5 Matches | H2H vs Opponent |
|---|---|---|
| France | W-W-W-D-W | Won 4x |
| Sweden | W-W-L-W-W | Won 1x |
Projected Lineups for France vs Sweden
France (4-3-3): Maignan; Koundé, Saliba, Upamecano, Theo Hernández; Kanté, Tchouaméni, Rabiot; Dembélé, Mbappé, Barcola.
Sweden (4-4-2): Olsen; Holm, Hien, Lindelöf, Augustinsson; Kulusevski, Larsson, Karlström, Forsberg; Isak, Gyökeres.
The most crucial duel: Mbappé vs Lindelöf. The Manchester United defender has experience carrying a heavy burden, but facing an in-form Mbappé is a different test. Whoever wins this battle will likely decide which team advances.
How to Watch France vs Sweden Live Free and Legally
For Telkomsel users, there is a convenient option: MAXStream TV free with no data charge. The steps are simple.
Download the MAXStream app from the Play Store or App Store. Log in with your Telkomsel number, go to the Sports menu → 2026 World Cup, then select France vs Sweden. Streaming starts at 03:45 WIB, kickoff at 04:00 WIB.
Non-Telkomsel users can still watch via MAXStream with a Sports package for Rp10,000 per day. Or use regular data.
| Platform | Air Time | Details |
|---|---|---|
| MAXStream TV | 03:45 WIB | Free with no data charge (Telkomsel) |
| TVRI Klik | 04:00 WIB | Free for all operators |
| FIFA+ | 04:00 WIB | Free, English commentary |
| Vidio | 04:00 WIB | First 5 minutes free |
The referee for this match is Szymon Marciniak of Poland, a name already very familiar in major FIFA matches.
Why This Match Matters
France have not always passed the knockout stage easily in recent editions. They won the 2022 World Cup, but the road was tense. This time Didier Deschamps’ squad looks more mature, with depth in every line that has no equal in this tournament.
Sweden, on the other hand, are in a historic moment. This is their best showing since the 1994 semifinals. The Isak-Gyökeres-Kulusevski generation wants to prove they are not just a one-time surprise.
One thing is certain: staying up until 04:00 WIB for this match is worth considering. Set your alarm now.
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