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Who could France face in the World Cup knockout stages?

France became the first nation at the 2022 World Cup to clinch a spot in the tournament’s knockout stages when they beat Denmark 2-1 on matchday two in Group D.

A strong showing against somewhat of a bogey team meant Les Bleus became the first reigning champions from Europe to advance past the group stage since Germany in 1994.

So, with a sigh of relief and a subtle boost of optimism behind them, who could Didier Deschamps’ men line up against in the round of 16?

France’s World Cup campaign kicked off with a gargantuan scare; Craig Goodwin’s ninth-minute strike put Australia 1-0 up against the world champions to remind us all of their seemingly incurable defensive frailties.

Luckily, however, the rest of the squad reminded us of their blisteringly potent creative and attacking quality as Adrien Rabiot, Kylian Mbappe and Olivier Giroud all struck to earn Deschamps’ side a 4-1 thrashing of the Socceroos – Giroud’s brace put him on 51 international goals, levelling him up with the great Thierry Henry as France’s all-time highest goal-scorer.

Having starred in that game, Mbappe put in another talismanic showing on matchday two as his nation secured their last-16 spot with the aforementioned victory over Denmark.

Against a side that beat them home and away in the Nations League this year, Les Bleus put in a professional performance stacked with a strength of character that few would have associated with the squad.

A brace from Mbappe, either side of Andreas Christensen’s headed equaliser in the second half, was enough for a 2-1 win and a guaranteed round-of-16 fixture for a third World Cup in succession.

It still isn’t certain who France could come up against in the knockout stages of this tournament. Indeed, not even their title as Group D winners is wrapped up, with a matchday-three encounter with Tunisia still to be played out.

In the unlikely event that Tunisia get a win against the French and Australia beat Denmark (with a six-goal swing), Les Bleus could advance as runners-up, potentially pitting them against Argentina – who themselves require a win over Poland to top Group C.

With Group C so tight heading into the final round of group games, likely table-toppers France’s opponents are very uncertain, however.

If Argentina get that probable victory against Poland and Mexico, as expected, beat Saudi Arabia, a four-goal swing would see the Mexicans jump to second to face the French. However, sitting on three points, Saudi Arabia are just as able to get a result and overtake either Argentina or Poland depending on the latter two’s result.

The most likely scenario would probably see Poland head into a last-16 bout with France on goal difference – but as you see, it’s all very complicated.

Following a potential victory at the final-16 stage, the likely route would then see Deschamps’ men face up against England in the quarter-finals – now that’s a delicious prospect.

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