France World Cup Fixtures, Squad, Group, Guide
France qualified for the 2018 World Cup by topping European Group A, but Sweden pushed them all the way to the final round of matches. Didier Deschamps’ team needed a win in their last game against Belarus to be sure of going to Russia and delivered a 2-1 victory at Stade de France.
France World Cup Group
France are in Group C along with Australia, Peru, and the Christian Eriksen lead Denmark
France World Cup Fixtures
France will open their World Cup account against Australia on the 16th of June, followed by Peru and then Denmark on the 21st and 26th.
16th June – Australia
21st June – Peru
26th June – Denmark
The Players
Stars
Antoine Griezmann is one of the most coveted attackers in the game. Teen striker Kylian Mbappe is being hailed as one of the world’s most exciting talents.
Stalwarts
Goalkeeper and national team skipper Hugo Lloris is fast closing in on a century of appearances. Raphael Varane brings calm and authority to the centre of defence, while Blaise Matuidi remains a Deschamps favourite in midfield.
Missing
Karim Benzema is technically available for selection after his alleged involvement in a sex-tape scandal in 2015, but the striker hasn’t been picked for more than two years. Left-back Benjamin Mendy has been out injured since September.
France World Cup Squad
Final World Cup Squad –
GOALKEEPERS: Hugo Lloris (Tottenham Hotspur), Steve Mandanda (Marseille), Alphonse Areola (Paris Saint-Germain)
DEFENDERS: Lucas Hernandez (Atletico Madrid), Presnel Kimpembe (Paris Saint-Germain), Benjamin Mendy (Manchester City), Benjamin Pavard (Stuttgart), Adil Rami (Marseille), Djibril Sidibe (Monaco), Samuel Umtiti (Barcelona), Raphael Varane (Real Madrid)
MIDFIELDERS: N’Golo Kante (Chelsea), Blaise Matuidi (Juventus), Steven N’Zonzi (Sevilla), Paul Pogba (Manchester United), Corentin Tolisso (Bayern Munich)
FORWARDS: Ousmane Dembele (Barcelona), Nabil Fekir (Lyon), Olivier Giroud (Chelsea), Antoine Griezmann (Atletico Madrid), Thomas Lemar (Monaco), Kylian Mbappe (Paris Saint-Germain), Florian Thauvin (Marseille)
Probable Starting XI
Hugo Lloris, Benjamin Mendy, Raphael Varane, Samuel Umtiti, Djibril Sidibe, Paul Pogba, N’Golo Kante, Blaise Matuidi, Kylian Mbappe, Ousmane Dembele, Antoine Griezmann.
Left out Players
Antony Martial (Manchester United), Alexandra Laccazet (Arsenal)
Injuries
Louren Kolcieny (Arsenal)