2026 World Cup Round of 32 matchups: France vs Sweden and Brazil vs Japan

France opened its Round of 32 clash against Sweden at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey. Les Bleus entered the knockout stage after group‑stage wins over Senegal, Iran and Norway, with Kylian Mbappé already on four goals. Sweden advanced thanks to a 1‑1 draw with Japan and a 5‑1 victory over Tunisia. Both teams named their starting line‑ups, with France fielding Kylian Mbappé, Ousmane Dembélé and newcomer Bradley Barcola, while Sweden started Alexander Isak and Anel Elanga among others.

Brazil faced Japan in Houston, Texas. The Selecão topped Group C with wins over Haiti and Scotland, while Japan finished second in Group F after a 4‑0 win over Tunisia. Brazil’s projected lineup featured Alisson, Danilo, Marquinhos and a forward line of Rayan, Matheus Cunha and Vinícius Jr., with Neymar expected on the bench. Japan’s expected eleven included goalkeeper Shuichi Suzuki, defenders Takehiro Tomiyasu and Kiyosu Itakura, and attackers Ritsu Doan and Ayase Ueda. Both matches were billed as tightly contested encounters in the first knockout round of the 2026 tournament.