France rotates left flank ahead of World Cup round‑of‑16

Coach Didier Deschamps has consistently swapped the left‑side players in France’s three group‑stage victories in the United States. Theo Hernández and Doué started against Senegal, Lucas Digne and Bradley Barcola replaced them versus Iraq, and the pair returned for the win over Norway. For the upcoming round‑of‑16 match with Sweden, Deschamps is expected to start Digne at left‑back and Barcola on the wing.

Barcola scored his second tournament goal after a decisive pass from teammate Michael Olise, calling Olise a “genius” in post‑match comments. The French side now looks to maintain the partnership that has produced both goals and assists as they advance in the competition.