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France will arrive in Qatar as World Cup holders after an outstanding campaign in Russia 2018.
They also eased through WC qualification, going unbeaten in a group containing Ukraine, Finland, Bosnia & Herzegovina and Kazakhstan.
Atlético Madrid’s Antoine Griezmann ended as the group’s joint top-scorer with six goals and Kylian Mbappé was one behind him.
However, France coach Didier Deschamps has since stressed Mbappe needs more support from his team-mates after they recently lost 2-0 to Denmark in the Nations League.
“He can’t do everything by himself,” Deschamps moaned.
France, who will face Denmark again at the World Cup in November, finished a surprisingly low third in their Nations League group with five points from six games.
France World Cup 2022 squad
World Cup squads are usually announced around six weeks before the World Cup starts. This year the World Cup will run from Nov 21-Dec 18.
Who are likely to be their key players?
Hugo Lloris has been one of France’s most crucial players since the turn of the century and will likely become the nation’s most-capped player in Qatar. At the ripe old age of 35, the Spurs goalkeeper has captained his country since 2012 and his experience as well as his reliability will be vital for Les Bleus.
Paul Pogba is an injury doubt for the tournament after undergoing knee surgery at the start of September. The midfielder, who joined Juventus in the summer, has always stepped up within the France set-up and, on his day, can be the catalyst to swing a game in his side’s favour.
Similarly, Karim Benzema is a man for the big occasion after a phenomenal campaign with Real Madrid last season. The 34-year-old racked up a staggering 44 goals in 46 club games during the 2021-22 campaign and was instrumental in them securing a record 14th European Cup. If he can inspire his nation to another World Cup in a formidable attacking trident with Griezmann and Mbappé, he will be a shoo-in for the Ballon d’Or.
Who, where and when do France play?
France will be playing Australia, Denmark and Tunisia in Group D.
Group Stage fixtures
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France vs Australia, Saturday Nov 22, 7pm GMT (10pm local time), Al Janoub Stadium
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France vs Denmark, Thursday Nov 26, 4pm GMT (7pm local time), Al Janoub Stadium
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Tunisia vs France, Monday Nov 30, 3pm GMT (6pm local time), Education City Stadium
See the full World Cup 2022 fixtures list.
What is France’s World Cup record?
France are defending champions, having beaten Croatia 4-2 in the 2018 final at the end of a near faultless run, including victories over Argentina, Uruguay and Belgium.
That was their second World Cup victory following the Zinedine Zidane-inspired triumph, when he scored twice in a 3-0 battering of Brazil in the 1998 final.
However, it was arguably the great midfielder’s head-first assault on Marco Materazzi and subsequent sending off that cost his side in the 2006 final, which Italy went on to win on penalties.
France boast some of the most talented players in the world and possess a particularly fearsome attack. They should ease through their group yet, while it would be unwise to rule them out of winning it again, we should note that no team has managed back-to-back world titles since Brazil in 1958 and 1962. They also have a history of implosion!
What are the latest odds?
France are currently a best price of 13/2 to win the World Cup.
Other leading contenders…
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Brazil 9/2
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England 17/2
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Spain 8/1
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Argentina 15/2
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Germany 10/1
Information correct as of September 30
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