FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 : Defending champions France will be entering the FIFA World Cup 2022 looking to defend their crown in Qatar and get that 3rd star on their badge this time around.
Didier Deschamps and his French side won the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia beating Croatia 4-2 in the final giving Les Bleus their second World Cup triumph after the 1998 victory. However, the team got knocked out of the 2020 European Championships in the Round of 16 by the hands of Switzerland on penalties.
The team regrouped and looked in fine form when they got their hands on another piece of silverware in 2021, winning the UEFA Nations League last year by beating Spain 2-1 in the final which got them right back on track to go on and win the World Cup for a second consecutive time.
France haven't looked like their old self recently as they needed a favour from Croatia in order to not get relegated from the UEFA Nations League this year as Didier Deschamps' men finished 3rd in their group which had Croatia, Denmark and Austria in it.
Kylian Mbappe helped France win the World Cup four years ago, becoming a superstar in the process. This time, the tournament could serve as a welcome escape from the pressures of Paris Saint-Germain, and also a chance to play in his favorite position.
For Karim Benzema, it's an opportunity to showcase the talent that saw him win the prestigious Ballon d'Or.
With injuries ruling out the World Cup-winning midfield duo of Paul Pogba and N'Golo Kante for this year's tournament, France will have to come up with a new plan in order to defend their crown.
France have played a total of 66 games in the world Cup out of which they have won 34 and lost 19.
However, France may need some help to overcome recent history.
Not since Brazil lost 1998 final to France has the defending World Cup champion come close to retaining the title. Of the next five champions, four failed to reach the knockout stage and three were last in their group — including France in 2002.
France have won 2 FIFA World Cups so far - 1998 and 2018
Didier Deschamps has announced a 25-man provisional squad for the World Cup -
Alphonse Areola, Hugo Lloris, Steve Mandanda
Lucas Hernandez, Theo Hernandez, Presnel Kimpembe, Ibrahima Konate, Jules Kounde, Benjamin Pavard, William Saliba, Dayot Upamecano, Raphael Varane
Eduardo Camavinga, Youssouf Fofana, Matteo Guendouzi, Adrien Rabiot, Aurelien Tchouameni, Jordan Veretout
Karim Benzema, Kingsley Coman, Ousmane Dembele, Olivier Giroud, Antoine Griezmann, Kylian Mbappe, Christopher Nkunku
France is in group D alongside Australia, Denmark and Tunisia. Les Blues will be looking to make a winning start to their campaign as they face Australia on November 22.
France vs Australia - 23 Nov; 12:30 AM IST – Al Wakrah Sports Complex
France vs Denmark - 26 Nov; 9:30 PM IST – Stadium 974
France vs Tunisia – 30 Nov; 8:30 PM IST- Education City Stadium
FIFA World Cup will be live telecast on Sports18 and Sports18 HD in India
Fifa WC 2022 will be live-streamed on VOOT Select and JioTV
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