France are overwhelming favourites in their opening clash against relative minnows Australia, especially given the presence of the mighty Kylian Mbappé. But Les Bleus fans can be forgiven a few jitters – as a range of injuries afflicts the squad and the curse of World Cup title-holders looms large.
France go into Qatar 2022 off the back of their barnstorming victory at Russia 2018 – when sluggish group stage performances gave way to a remarkable run of form in the knockouts that carried them all the way to the trophy.
