2026 World Cup - Sweden: Carl Starfelt has a plan for Mbappé

30.06.26 FT World Cup

France

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Sweden

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For the 2026 World Cup round of 16 between Sweden and France tomorrow, Graham Potter could start Carl Starfelt at center-back.

The Celta Vigo defender isn't the least bit intimidated by facing Kylian Mbappé. He’s already crossed paths with him in La Liga over the past two seasons.

"How do you deal with Mbappé? First, you have to defend well as a unit and not give him too many chances. Then, you need to keep a close eye on him. I’ve faced him several times and, personally, it’s been good for me. I feel like I have a bit of an idea how to defend against him. (...) But all the French attackers are extremely talented. You have to try to win the match right from the start, play solid team defense, win your duels, and stay close. You can't let them pull away," the player revealed in an interview with Swedish outlet Göteborgs-Posten.

Joshua SOSSOU

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As a sports fan, and particularly a football fan, I've been putting my writing talent to good use for a number of years now to promote African talent and the continent's football in general. On Foot Africa, enjoy reading each of my lines.

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