Sweden face Tunisia in Group L at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City — a match between two sides desperate to qualify from what looks like an open group. Sweden qualified through the European playoffs while Tunisia, regulars at the World Cup since 1978, bring North African flair and tactical discipline.

Sweden's golden generation — the Zlatan era — is over, but a new group of talent has stepped up. Alexander Isak, after a breakthrough Newcastle season, leads the line with pace, technique and composure in front of goal. Dejan Kulusevski provides the creativity from a wide midfield position.

Tunisia, under their Spanish coach, have developed one of Africa's most tactically sophisticated setups. Wahbi Khazri provides veteran leadership while Issam Jebali finished as one of CAF qualifying's top scorers. In the Kansas City heat, a slow start from either side could prove costly.