World Cup 2022

France are the reigning champions and one of the favourites to win this World Cup.

They have individual brilliance, an unbelievable depth chart, and tons of experience. There is no doubt they can lift the trophy.

The problems might arise within their own camp. Amid talk of disharmony in the squad and with injuries to Paul Pogba and N’Golo Kante, France have to show they have the mindset to come through big challenges. 

Aurelien Tchouamienu and Edouard Camavinga are unbelievable players but they are both so young, so this is going to be a real test for them to rise to, in the centre of the park.

Who is the France manager?

Didier Deschamps is still in charge and there is plenty of doubt around whether he is the right man at this point.

He is a very pragmatic coach and some followers of France would prefer a different approach - Despite the fact he led them to success at the last World Cup.

He has been in charge since 2012 so it is natural that his time will probably come to an end soon but there is no doubt he knows this squad inside out and has the experience to deal with any in-house fighting that may crop up.

While it is true that Deschamps is not the most open coach you will ever see, he has become a little more open minded recently.

What tactics can we expect from them at the World Cup?

France have turned to a 3-4-1-2 formation since Karim Benzema returned to the scene and the aim is always to have control and build through the pitch.

 

Being expansive and open might sound like something a team like this should turn to - after all, you want players like Mbappe and Griezmann to have some freedom. But typically it does not help them and the fact there is no Pogba and Kante means France have to be careful.

Who are the players to watch for France?

There are plenty of emerging world stars in this team yet Olivier Giroud remains a player to watch because he has the capability to turn the tournament in their favour.

He is 36 years old but still plays regularly at AC Milan and has that eye for goal that France are going to need. 

His experience is crucial and even if he is coming off the bench, his role will be as important as any starter. He is close to becoming the national team’s leading scorer too - so there is extra motivation for him to do well in Qatar. 

Who is favourite to be top scorer for France?

Kylian Mbappe is 23 now and the main man for France - no one can really argue with that fact. His 28 goals in 59 France appearances have helped turn him from teenage prodigy to global superstar and there is an argument that he is the best player in the world right now.

Playing alongside Neymar and Messi at PSG has further helped develop his talent - and his ego - but that’s not necessarily a bad thing either at this level. France have to believe they are the best and with a striker like this, there will be no lack of belief.

He already has more than 20 goal contributions from the first section of this season at PSG and when he feels like getting at people, it is very hard to stop him.

How did France qualify for the World Cup?

France qualified for the World Cup as winners of European Group D. They were undefeated and conceded just three goals from their 8 games. They finished six points clear of Ukraine and Antoine Griezmann was their lead scorer with six.

There were a few performances that were a little odd - they drew three of their games - but that was largely down to Deschamps tinkering between different team formations.

What are the ambitions for this France team?

France’s aim at any World Cup is to lift the trophy. As the holders, this one is no different. They are strong in every area of the field with only that injury-heavy CM spot holding any real concern. Defensively they can call on a pool of the most wanted players in Europe and up top they have some of the absolute elite.

Getting out of the group should be a stroll and then the winning mentality needs to kick in as they focus on getting to at least the semi-finals

France World Cup Odds

If France win this World Cup they will become the first nation to win back-to-back since Brazil in 1962. 

At best odds of 7/1 they are definitely capable - but they are also capable of causing their own problems, and that’s the element of doubt we will all have over them as we watch this tournament unfold.

France World Cup prediction by oddschecker

France will do very well to win the World Cup back to back, and face strong competition from some of the other nations in Brazil and Argentina. We think they'll make the final, but ultimately come second best against either of those sides.