Ballon d’Or winner Karim Benzema has been ruled out for France, who will play in Group D alongside Australia, Denmark and Tunisia.
France are hoping to become the first team to win back-to-back World Cup trophies since Brazil in 1958 and 1962. Didier Deschamps’ side have been hit by injuries to key players ahead of the tournament as they prepare to retain the Jules Remit Trophy.
Les Bleus have played three of the past six World Cup finals, winning two. However, four of the past five world champions have been knocked out of the subsequent tournament in the first round, including France in 2002, after they won France ‘98. On that occasion, France beat favourites Brazil 3-0 on home soil thanks to a Zinedine Zidane brace and a late goal from Emmanuel Petit.
Deschamps will have to rely on the less experienced midfield of Aurélien Tchouaméni, 22, and possibly Eduardo Camavinga, 20, to run the midfield third of the pitch. The pair have built a closer relationship on and off the field since the former joined Real Madrid this summer on a six-year deal.
In attack, there will be more experience to bank on, despite the recent injury to Benzema. Antoine Griezmann and Kylian Mbappé will aim to carry their country to the latter stages of the tournament.
The French have suffered three defeats in 2022, but will be expected to advance from their group. Brazil and Argentina are the favourites to win in Qatar and it could be more than a ‘curse’ that holds the French back from retaining the World Cup.
France’s schedule and group in the 2022 World Cup
November 22
2:00 pm ET France - Australia
November 26
11:00 am ET France - Denmark
November 30
10:00 am ET Tunisia - France
rattyponcho
0
Ghana is not even the best team in Africa.
Was Saudi Arabia the best
bizdeilmz
0
rattyponcho
1
Ghana is not even the best team in Africa.
It doesn't matter even the best lost 2-0 and in 2006 and 2010 Ghana wasn't the best in Africa but we did well
Benxe
0
The last three defending World Cup champions have crashed out in the Group Stages of the next tournament 🤯😳 Over to you, France 🇫🇷
Naycdknr
1
This world cup winner is between Belgium, Germany, Ghana and Brazil
Ghana is not even the best team in Africa.
Thecloud
0
This world cup winner is between Belgium, Germany, Ghana and Brazil
did you say Ghana 😂🤣🤣😂
Pep-So
1
The curse has been lifted. Benzema paid the price
Stickle
0
Naw, this year is the curse of the host. Qatar will not win a game.
rattyponcho
4
This world cup winner is between Belgium, Germany, Ghana and Brazil
jasdeimnsy
2
France will win back to back