France will rely on their formidable attacking trio when they face Sweden in the World Cup round of 32 on Tuesday, while Erling Haaland will lead Norway’s bid to overcome Ivory Coast and reach the last 16.
Co-hosts Mexico will also continue their campaign before a passionate home crowd at the Estadio Azteca when they take on Ecuador.
Sweden’s defence faces a daunting task against Kylian Mbappe, who has already scored four goals at the tournament, Ballon d’Or winner Ousmane Dembele, who struck a hat-trick in France’s 4-1 victory over Norway during the group stage, and Michael Olise, whose direct running has troubled opposing defences.
With a potent attack and a creative midfield, Les Bleus appear well placed to reach a third World Cup final in succession.
However, questions remain over France’s defence, and Sweden will hope their own attacking duo of Alexander Isak and Viktor Gyokeres can exploit any weaknesses despite quiet tournaments so far.
Should France progress, they will face Paraguay, who stunned Germany in a penalty shootout on Monday.
France coach Didier Deschamps warned his players against underestimating Sweden.
“Sweden are playing for their survival. Obviously they will do everything to win the game,” Deschamps said on Monday.
“We need to stay humble, maintain our determination and concentration. In the group stage winning the first game gave us some margin for error, but now we have no second chances.”
France entered the tournament among the favourites after winning the World Cup in 2018 and finishing runners-up to Argentina in 2022.
Sweden reached the finals through an unusual route. Despite finishing bottom of their qualifying group, they secured a play-off place through their UEFA Nations League performances and advanced to the knockout stage as one of the best third-placed teams despite suffering a 5-1 defeat to the Netherlands.
Sweden coach Graham Potter acknowledged the scale of the challenge awaiting his side.
“They have quality all over… They have won the World Cup before and they have a fantastic manager,” Potter said on Monday.
“An exciting challenge awaits us, and we will have to play the game of our lives, clearly.”
Meanwhile, Haaland will return refreshed for Norway’s meeting with Ivory Coast in Dallas after sitting out the defeat to France.
Norway coach Stale Solbakken praised the striker’s influence on and off the pitch.
“He’s a great leader for us, he leads by example on the pitch,” he said. “He has something that maybe you can’t train so much to reach it, the sniff for goals, the feeling that the ball will land at your feet… and I think that is his biggest strength.”
Mexico also have extra motivation knowing victory over Ecuador would keep them in the capital for a last-16 meeting with either England or the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Monday’s action produced several dramatic results. Paraguay shocked Germany by winning a tense penalty shootout after a 1-1 draw following extra time.
“This qualification is for all Paraguayans who believed in us,” coach Gustavo Alfaro said, while Paraguay’s president declared a national holiday to celebrate the achievement.
Germany’s elimination prompted fresh criticism of the four-time world champions, with coach Julian Nagelsmann facing intense scrutiny after another disappointing tournament.
Morocco also advanced on penalties after defeating the Netherlands in Monterrey. Goalkeeper Yassine Bounou saved Crysencio Summerville’s spot-kick before Ismael Saibari converted the decisive penalty to send the Atlas Lions through.
Earlier, Brazil recovered from an early setback to defeat Japan 2-1 and book their place in the last 16, where they will meet either Norway or Ivory Coast on Sunday.