France demonstrated absolute dominance, leading Group I with three straight wins against Senegal, Iraq, and Norway. This marks the first time since the 1998 World Cup that France has achieved a perfect group stage record. The auspicious sign is further emphasized by Didier Deschamps, the team's current coach, who captained the French squad to victory in 1998.

France's attack is currently achieving an impressive performance, scoring at least three goals in four consecutive World Cup matches. No team in the tournament's history has scored three or more goals in five consecutive matches, placing Deschamps' team on the verge of setting a new milestone.

Ousmane Dembele (left) celebrates a goal with Kylian Mbappe during France's 4-1 victory over Norway in the final Group I match of World Cup 2026 at Foxborough Stadium, Boston, USA on 26/6. Photo: AP

Meanwhile, Sweden, though considered an underdog, has grounds to cause an upset. Coach Graham Potter's squad finished third in Group F, behind the Netherlands and Japan, but possesses an attack capable of creating breakthroughs.

Viktor Gyokeres is the spearhead, with 11 shots and creating 8 chances in the group stage, the most in the Swedish squad. Historically, since 1966, only Ralf Edstrom (1974) and Tomas Brolin (1994) have recorded 10 shots and 10 chances created in a single World Cup for Sweden.

Beyond Gyokeres and Alexander Isak, who were highly anticipated before the tournament, Yasin Ayari has scored two goals. Anthony Elanga is also in high form, having scored in both of the last two matches against the Netherlands and Japan. If he continues to score against France, he will become the first Swedish player since Kennet Andersson in 1994 to score in three consecutive World Cup matches.

Sweden also concluded the group stage with seven goals, their best performance at this stage in World Cup history. This is also the most goals the Nordic team has scored in a World Cup since 1994, the tournament where they finished third.

Hong Duy