2022 World Cup: France vs Australia prediction, odds and preview

An injury-hit France side will begin their 2022 World Cup against Australia at the Al Janoub Stadium on Tuesday night.

While the Socceroos are attempting to snap a streak of three consecutive group-stage exits, Les Bleus advanced all the way in Russia four years ago.

France has added the UEFA Nations League as another significant prize to their collection since defeating Croatia on that soggy evening in Moscow, but the drawbacks have overshadowed the advantages for Didier Deschamps and company.

France is already certain to give up their Nations League title following a poor showing in the 2022–23 season after being eliminated from Euro 2020 at the last-16 stage.

In fact, the three reigning champions who came before France—Germany, Spain, and Italy—all had their subsequent tournament runs stop in the group stage. The last time the defending champions won their first match in a tournament was Brazil in 2006.

Australia’s best result on the biggest international stage thus far is a round-of-16 spot in 2006, and despite their AFC qualifying deception, Arnold’s team enters their first game with a winning streak of five games in a row.

The Socceroos defeated New Zealand in two friendlies in September, triumphing 2-0 and 1-0 over their Oceanic rivals, but their last open-play World Cup goal came in 2014 which was scored by Tim Cahill.