France came up agonisingly short in one of the greatest World Cup finals in history four years ago, but a star-studded Les Bleus side have high hopes of going one better in New Jersey on July 19.
Kylian Mbappe’s sensational hat-trick was only enough to take Argentina to penalties in the 2022 finale as Lionel Messi inspired the Albiceleste to a third world title at the glittering Lusail Stadium.
However, France lost little in defeat and their run to the final was the continuation of a stellar record on the global stage.
France’s Remarkable World Cup Run
France have reached four of the last seven World Cup finals, winning on home soil in 1998 and in Russia in 2018 and ending up as runners-up to Italy in 2006 and Argentina four years ago.
Didier Deschamps, who captained France to victory in 1998 before masterminding a world triumph 20 years later, has been head coach since 2012 but there is little sign of things going stale.
France picked up 16 points from a possible 18 in qualifying as they outclassed Ukraine, Iceland and Azerbaijan, and a finals group containing Senegal, who famously beat them in the group stage in 2002, and Norway should ensure that they are fully focused from the off.
Topping Group I would set up a round-of-32 clash with a third-placed team while potential dates with Germany and the Netherlands, neither of whom have France's depth of quality, may represent their biggest obstacles before the semi-finals.
Deschamps Spoilt for Choice in Attack
A front three of Mbappe, Ballon d'Or winner Ousmane Dembele and Bayern Munich bright spark Michael Olise is arguably the most devastating in the entire tournament, and that is before you factor in that Deschamps has Manchester City star Rayan Cherki and PSG pair Bradley Barcola and Desire Doue waiting in reserve.
Arsenal enforcer William Saliba, Ibrahima Konate and Dayot Upamecano are elite defensive options while N'Golo Kante’s experience is complemented by the younger legs of Aurelien Tchouameni and Warren Zaire-Emery in midfield.
If Deschamps' glittering array of stars click into gear this summer, they are going to be extremely difficult to stop.
The Other Tournament Favourites to Watch
Tournament favourites Spain defeated Germany, France and England en route to Euro 2024 glory and La Roja could be on course to meet the French in a mouthwatering semi-final in Arlington, Texas, on July 14.
England’s lack of ambition in the final third could be their undoing so perhaps Brazil, who could be waiting for the Three Lions in the quarter-finals, have been underestimated.
The Selecao have two world-class keepers in Alisson and Ederson while centre-backs Marquinhos and Gabriel and midfield anchors Casemiro and Bruno Guimaraes form a strong spine.
La Liga superstars Vinicius Junior and Raphinha are two of the best forwards on the planet and in manager Carlo Ancelotti they have a serial winner at the helm.
The draw also favours the Brazilians, who will not face another section winner until the last eight if they win Group C as expected.
The expansion of the 23rd World Cup offers greater opportunity for smaller nations to make an impact, and with forecast searing temperatures and a long club season in the legs, there is the potential for an upset.
Japan made the last 16 in Qatar four years ago, topping a group featuring Spain and Germany before losing to Croatia on penalties, and friendly victories over Brazil and England this year were further reminders that they aren't afraid of mixing it with the elite.
Head coach Hajime Moriyasu has put together a squad which combines experience, pace and attacking flair with excellent defensive organisation, and they can go well at a big price.
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