World Cup: France won’t abandon attacking style against Sweden, Deschamps

France will not abandon their attacking philosophy when they face Sweden in the 2026 FIFA World Cup's last 32, coach Didier Deschamps stated. Les Bleus advanced from the group stage with a perfect nine-point record, scoring 10 goals. However, their aggressive approach also created chances for opponents.

“

We have to score one more goal, not give up what we’re capable of doing. We’ve conceded a few too many chances. Every match has a different scenario. Can you succeed like that? We did it four years ago. We have the ability to create danger and hurt the opposition. That’s our strength and I want us to keep that strength.

Deschamps acknowledged that France has conceded "a few too many chances" but stressed the need to "score one more goal, not give up what we’re capable of doing." He believes their strength lies in creating danger and hurting the opposition, a strategy that proved successful in previous tournaments.

Midfielder Adrien Rabiot dismissed concerns about complacency, citing France's shock Euro 2020 elimination by Switzerland as a crucial learning experience. "Those who were there pass it on to the rest of the group," Rabiot said. "That’s why we don’t relax and take every match seriously. Against Switzerland we may have been a little superficial and we paid for it."

“

That experience helps us. Those who were there pass it on to the rest of the group. That’s why we don’t relax and take every match seriously. Against Switzerland we may have been a little superficial and we paid for it. Anything can happen in a single match.

Rabiot also cautioned that Sweden possesses a potent attack and can punish any lapse in concentration. "Sweden have quality players and a very strong attacking line with world-class players playing for big clubs," he noted. France will approach the match with the same seriousness as their previous group stage games.

“

Sweden have quality players and a very strong attacking line with world-class players playing for big clubs in the best leagues. We know they have quality. We’ll take them just as seriously as we took Iraq and Norway.

Deschamps echoed Rabiot's assessment, highlighting Sweden's counter-attacking pace, aerial strength, and set-piece threat. France will be without striker Marcus Thuram due to a muscle injury, and midfielder N’Golo Kante remains a doubt for the knockout match.

“

They defend with five and they are dangerous when there are spaces. They’re also very good from set pieces and long throws. Just look at their front three – they all play for big clubs.