Now that the seemingly never-ending group stages are wrapped, it’s business time as we head into the Round of 32. There are some cracking games in prospect, but few look tastier than tournament favourites France, against a lot of people’s dark horses, Sweden. With more to unpack than an Ikea megastore, let’s waste no time in diving right in.
TL; DR – My 8.32/1 Bet Builder Priced with Betfred
| Bet | Bookie | Odds | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|
| BTTS – Yes | Betfred | 1/1 | 2 |
| Anthony Elanga 1+ Shots on Target | Betfred | 6/4 | 1 |
| Kylian Mbappe 2+ Goals | Betfred | 12/5 | 1 |
| Bet Builder | Betfred | 8.24/1 | 1 |
*Odds correct at 14:00 BST on 29/06/2026. Odds subject to change.
No Expiry Date
Bet 1: Both Teams to Score – Yes
With 10 goals in their opening three Group I games, France’s glittering attack have certainly got off to a quick start. When you have the likes of Kylian Mbappe, Ousmane Dembele and Michael Olise at your disposal, goals generally aren’t going to be an issue.
Defensively, I think they’ve been solid, but a lot less sound than in the final third. There are talks that Lucas Digne will come in for Bradley Barcola to help sure things up, but in all three group games, there were times that they lacked a little concentration.
For how good Sweden were in their opening win over Tunisia, they were as bad, if not worse, in the defeat to the Netherlands. Going forward, the likes of Alexander Isak and Viktor Gyokeres will always be in with a chance of netting, but at the back, it’s a free-for-all at times.
Looking at how each nation plays, I think both teams to score has a good chance of landing here. What’s swayed me is that you can even money on the market with the best World Cup betting sites, which is a huge price and one I just can’t ignore.
Bet 2: Anthony Elanga 1+ Shot on Target
As a Newcastle United fan, this is a tough write-up. But hear me out.
Somehow, Elanga has been decent thus far in the minutes he’s had. Coming on late against Tunisia with no impact, he was gifted more minutes in the mauling from the Netherlands, but managed to grab a goal for his sins.
He then started against Japan and, whisper it very quietly for the Geordie fanbase, but played really well. He was the menacing, powerful forward that we paid £55 million for last summer, and caused the Japanese backline quite a few issues throughout.
What’s interesting about taking on Elanga to get a shot on target is that he goes up against either Digne or Barcola at left back, and as I’ve already stated, the weakest part of this French outfit.
He’s priced at World Cup odds of 6/4 for 1+ shots on target, which looks inviting. And, given some of the insane odds in this market – Mbappe 1/16, Dembele 1/8, Thuram 2/13 – is the best value going here.
Bet 3: Kylian Mbappe to Score Two or More
I’m all for striking while the iron is hot when it comes to betting. And there are few hotter irons than a certain Kylian Mbappe.
He’s more than living up to the hype, with four goals, two assists and nine shots on target in his opening three games.
What’s impressed me the most has been his drive. He looks super hungry, more so than when playing for Madrid, and seems more open to using teammates rather than trying to do everything on his own.
It’s paying dividends for France and for his own numbers.
Now, 12/5 to score two or more goals isn’t exactly the value bet of the decade here. But if Sweden don’t improve defensively, then they are in for a world of pain, and Mbappe will be chomping at the bit in one of the most exciting Golden Boot races we’ve seen for many a year.
My France vs Sweden Live Bet Slip
