There’s no denying Les Bleus’ talent, but injuries and intangibles threaten to undermine their title defense—and a dangerous Denmark is ready to pounce.
For a defending champion with a manager, Didier Deschamps, who is on his third World Cup cycle with an incredible pool of talent from which to choose, France is looking mighty unstable. Off-field issues—allegations of sexual harassment against the federation president, an image-rights dispute featuring Kylian Mbappé and claims that Paul Pogba enlisted a witch doctor to hinder Mbappé—have cast a pall on what looked to be a smooth run in Qatar. Injuries have caused even more concern. Still, Les Bleus are so enormously talented that melting down at the group stage seems inconceivable—even for a side with a history of doing just that.
If France falters, Denmark will be ready to pounce. The Danes are hoping for another big showing at a major tournament after an inspired run to the Euro 2020 semifinals, and they should be bolstered by the emotional return of star midfielder Christian Eriksen. The 30-year-old, who collapsed during the Euros after suffering cardiac arrest, returned to the pitch for Denmark in March and scored two minutes into his return. One of the most accomplished Danish players of his generation, Eriksen provides a veteran presence and a bit of creativity even without the burst he used to possess.
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CHAOS COMPONENT
From a strictly soccer standpoint, the defending champs are vulnerable: France has lost twice this year to Denmark. But factor in the internal strife plaguing France, and suddenly Les Bleus seem especially ripe for an early exit. Tunisia is led by Wahbi Khazri, who was born in France and would love to send his motherland packing.
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HISTORY LESSON
France comes to Qatar as the reigning champion, which doesn’t necessarily bode well. Four of the last five defending champs failed to get out of the group stage (including Les Bleus in 2002), and the World Cup hasn’t had a repeat champion since 1962, when Brazil lifted the trophy.
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GAME OF THE GROUP
France vs. Denmark, Nov. 26
In a lopsided group in which the top two should have little trouble advancing, this game is key: Argentina likely awaits the group’s second-place finisher in the round of 16.
GO DEEPER
Team profiles and squad lists for: Australia | Denmark | France | Tunisia
PROJECTED GROUP FINISH
France, Denmark, Tunisia, Australia
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ODDS (via SI Sportsbook)
FRANCE
To win the group (-225) | To win the World Cup (+600)
DENMARK
To win the group (+180) | To win the World Cup (+2200)
TUNISIA
To win the group (+2500) | To win the World Cup (+50000)
AUSTRALIA
To win the group (+2500) | To win the World Cup (+50000)