Copy linkFacebookXPinterestEmailShare this article 0Join the conversationFollow usAdd us as a preferred source on GoogleNewsletterSubscribe to our newsletterFrance have looked ominously strong at the World Cup so far, powering past Norway, Senegal and Iraq to comfortably win what looked like a potentially tricky group.They next face a Sweden side that shipped seven goals in their group, and the expectation is that Les Blues will progress to the last 16.It seemed likely that France would face Germany, but instead they will come up against a defensively resilient Paraguay should they beat Sweden.Play our FREE match predictor and win �1kHow overlooked advantage could benefit FranceIn Qatar four years ago, Argentina played the majority of their matches at the Lusail Stadium, including the quarter-final, semi-final and final.Lionel Messi and co. clearly felt increasingly comfortable at the arena, where winning became a habit. You may like World Cup winner reveals identity of France monster who could take Les Bleus to third straight final France squad World Cup 2026: Didier Deschamps' goes full strength to face Norway in final group game France vs Senegal prediction as old foes set for World Cup battle France could well benefit from something similar, as they prepare to play at the New York New Jersey Stadium for the second time in their last 32 match.Didier Deschamps side won their tournament opener against Senegal in New York, and could yet go to the stadium for the final on July 19th.Get FourFourTwo NewsletterThe best features, fun and footballing quizzes, straight to your inbox every week.Contact me with news and offers from other Future brandsReceive email from us on behalf of our trusted partners or sponsorsBy submitting your information you agree to the Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy and are aged 16 or over.Familiarity with a stadium at a major tournament, where the environment is often one of the challenges, can only be a positive.And its not just the New York New Jersey Stadium where France could get comfortable.They also played at the Philadelphia Stadium in the group stage, beating Iraq 3-0 (after an interruption due to bad weather), and Boston Stadium where they dominated Norway 4-1.If they beat Sweden, France will meet Paraguay in Philadelphia, ensuring that they stay on the USAs East Coast. Make it to the final, and France will have played three of their eight games in New York/New Jersey.While those fine margins could prove crucial in knockout football, the quality in Frances squad is likely to be a deciding factor too.Kylian Mbappe has started the World Cup strongly, while Ousmane Dembele and Michael Olise also look in formidable form.TOPICSWorld CupWorld Cup 2026Callum Rice-CoatesCallum is a football writer who has had work published by the likes of BBC Sport, the Independent, BT Sport and the Blizzard, amongst various others. A lifelong Wrexham fan, he is hoping Ryan Reynolds can lead his hometown club to the promised land.
