France are in the last 16 of the 2026 FIFA World Cup and the lineup is in. Mike Maignan starts in goal, and Les Bleus are set up in a 4-2-3-1 — the shape that, when it clicks, makes France look like the most complete side in the world. Sweden stand between them and the quarter-finals. No pressure.
A 4-2-3-1 from Didier Deschamps is the kind of selection that says: we are not here to experiment. The double pivot sits deep enough to protect, the three behind the striker have licence to move, and the whole thing is built around controlling the middle third before releasing the front line.
Maignan in goal is the right call on current form. The AC Milan goalkeeper has grown into one of Europe's most commanding stoppers — commanding his box, sharp with his feet, and the kind of presence that makes the back four feel settled from the first whistle.
Sweden are here on merit — they have earned their place in the last 16. Based on what they have shown across the tournament, they look organised, physically imposing, and capable of threatening from set-pieces — exactly the kind of side that can make a 4-2-3-1 look ponderous if the press isn't right and the wide players don't track back. France will need their double pivot to be disciplined, not just creative.
The Swedes will look to disrupt France's rhythm early, invite pressure, and hit on the counter. It is a plan that has worked against bigger names before. France know this. The 4-2-3-1 only functions as intended if the two holding midfielders stay connected and the full-backs don't get caught high simultaneously.
For France, a quarter-final place is the floor, not the ceiling. Anything short of that would be a genuine shock given the squad depth available. But knockout football at a World Cup has a habit of flattening expectations — and Sweden, for all their pragmatism, will not be reading that script.
Full lineups for both sides were confirmed by Foot Mercato and L'Equipe ahead of kick-off. The formation is set. Now France have to deliver it.
The 4-2-3-1 is a statement of intent. Sweden will have something to say about that.
France are in the last 16 of the 2026 FIFA World Cup and the lineup is in. Mike Maignan starts in goal, and Les Bleus are set up in a 4-2-3-1
Fontes
Foot Mercato
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