FIFA World Cup 2026: Weaknesses difficult to find in France’s defence, says Swedish coach Potter

Sweden will need to produce the performance of a lifetime to topple World Cup superpower France in their round of 32, coach Graham Potter said on Monday, as his young side prepared to field a side with ‘all-over quality’.

Sweden entered the tournament after a miserable qualifying campaign and will proudly wear the underdog tag against France on Tuesday after a fickle group stage, where they beat Tunisia 5-1 but lost to the Netherlands by the same scoreline.

Kylian Mbappe-led France, who stormed into the knockouts with three straight wins, are almost unbeatable according to former Sweden striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic, and Potter knows his side will have to produce something special.

“We have to be as perfect as possible,” Potter said. “We know the quality of the opponent and have full respect for that.”

Sweden’s hopes rest on a youthful squad with limited World Cup experience, supported by experienced defender Victor Lindelof, who can also be deployed in midfield.

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Potter shuffled his Sweden deck during the 1-1 draw against Japan, starting Aston Villa’s center back in midfield before bringing him back into defence.

“For many, this is the first tournament with a tough journey to get to this point,” said Lindelof.

“This is our World Cup adventure at stake and we don’t want it to end.”

Potter revealed little of his plans for Tuesday’s lineup during a pre-match press conference. Asked where he saw weaknesses he could exploit in the French defence, the former Chelsea and West Ham United manager refused to entertain the idea that any weakness exists at all.

«I’m not sure weakness is necessarily a word I would use to describe this French side. They have quality everywhere,» said Potter. “We have to play the game of our lives.”

Published on June 30, 2026