Defending champions France start their title defence when they lock horns with Australia in Tuesday’s World Cup 2022 Group D opener at the Al Janoub Stadium.
However, France are also grappling with a whole host of injuries and it will be interesting to see how they fare against Australia, a side that has been shunted out of the competition in the group stage in three successive tournaments.
FIFA World Cup France vs Australia Teams News
France Football Team News
For France, injuries have been plaguing their preparation. Karim Benzema had to withdraw since he picked up a thigh injury. However, Didier Deschamps has not yet named a replacement. He has also been forced to swap Presnel Kimpembe and Christopher Nkunku for Axel Disasi and Randal Kolo Muani. It will be interesting to see the XI he names to start their game.
Australia Football Team News
Australia too have a number of injury concerns with striker Martin Boyle ruled out with a knee injury. Marco Tilio could well replace him in the squad along with Ajdin Hrustic.
France vs Australia Predicted XI
France Predicted Starting XI
Lloris; Pavard, Upamecano, Konate, Lucas Hernandez; Tchouameni, Rabiot; Dembele, Griezmann, Mbappe; Giroud
Australia Predicted Starting XI
Ryan; Atkinson, Wright, Rowles, Behich; Hrustic, Mooy, Irvine; Leckie, Duke, Goodwin
France vs Australia Head-to-Head and key numbers
- France have an impressive record against Australia – they have three of the five matches played between both the sides.
- France secured a 2-1 victory against Australia back in the 2018 edition.
- Australia have won just the one game against France when they won the game in the FIFA Confederations Cup in 2001.
- France have made it to the final of the FIFA World Cup in three of the last six editions.
France vs Australia Fantasy Football Team
Kick-off Date: Wednesday, November 23
Kick-off Time: 12:30 AM IST
Venue: Al Janoub Stadium
France vs Australia Match Live Streaming
Live Telecast: Sports18 SD/HD
Live streaming: JioCinema (App & Website)
FIFA World Cup France vs Australia Prediction
Despite the absence of Karim Benzema, France have enough quality to be a dominant unit in this match. Australia need to dig deep in order to offer resistance. France could well win this game, but they need to be attacking up front.
