New Jersey, June 30 -- The FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 32 clash between France and Sweden on June 30 (local time) in New Jersey will mark the first-ever meeting between the two nations at a FIFA World Cup.

Despite being regulars on football's biggest stage since the inaugural tournament in 1930, with France having played 76 World Cup matches and Sweden 54, the two nations have never previously met in the competition, according to the FIFA website.

Back on June 29, 1958, a FIFA World Cup final between France, led by Raymond Kopa and Just Fontaine, and Sweden, spearheaded by Nils Liedholm, appeared a possibility. However, a 17-year-old Pele changed the script by inspiring Brazil to a 5-2 victory over France in the semi-finals, denying th...