The world champions are set to kick off the defence of their World Cup crown with a meeting against Australia in Group D where France head into their first game at the 2022 World Cup having to deal with an almighty setback from injuries.
France were already heading to Qatar with a bunch of injuries to deal with, as the likes of Paul Pogba and N’Golo Kante were set to miss the competition this winter months back.
The 𝙒𝙤𝙧𝙡𝙙 𝘾𝙪𝙥 can begin! 🔥 #FiersdetreBleus pic.twitter.com/7197uzdqfp— French Team ⭐⭐ (@FrenchTeam) November 20, 2022
The 𝙒𝙤𝙧𝙡𝙙 𝘾𝙪𝙥 can begin! 🔥 #FiersdetreBleus pic.twitter.com/7197uzdqfp
Christopher Nkunku added to the injury woes recently, before Karim Benzema pulled up in training with a thigh problem, and he is now ruled out of the World Cup.
Raphael Varane is fit and in the squad after an injury for Manchester United weeks back, but he should be fit to play at some stage in the groups.
The France squad all but picks itself as a result. Antoine Griezmann has been in great form for Atletico Madrid this season and he will likely start with Kylian Mbappe. Much of the squad from the 2018 World Cup win will still be present too.
France are also coming into this one off the back off a terrible Euro 2020 and Nations League campaigns. The club eased into the knockout stages at the Euros, only to concede in the dying seconds to Switzerland were they eventually lost on penalties in the round of 16.
The world champions then won just one game in their Nations League League A Group 1 setup, as France defeated only Austria as they attempted to defend their crown.
A further loss to Croatia and two to Denmark meant just one win, three losses and a draw in the Nations League in 2022 for the two-time World Cup winners.
Despite the concerns on the injury front and the lack of form since winning the World Cup, France still remains one of the favourites alongside Brazil to win this tournament. Against Australia, they should make relatively easy work of things in Group D.
Australia themselves have had a tough run into the World Cup, beating Peru back in June to secure World Cup status in a World Cup qualifier playoff final against the South American side.
The Socceroos narrowly won on points. Australia are now ranked 38th in the FIFA World Rankings, making them one of the lowest-ranked sides at this year's World Cup.
Forebet predicts a win here for the defending champions and for the game to see over 2.5 goals.