Qatar 2022 - World Cup Group D

France, Denmark, Tunisia and the Intercontinental Playoff 1 winners make up World Cup Group D at Qatar 2022.

Confederation: UEFAFIFA ranking: 3Team nickname: Les BleusPrevious World Cup appearances: 15Honours: World Cup (2): 1998, 2018, European Championship (2): 1984, 2000, Confederations Cup (2): 2001, 2003, Nations League (1): 2021Head coach: Didier DeschampsStar players: Antoine Griezmann (Atletico Madrid), Karim Benzema (Real Madrid), Kylian Mbappe (PSG).

Winners in 2018, France will be hoping that the curse of the holders doesn’t strike again – the last four European winners have failed to progress from the group stage at the next finals (Germany 2018, Spain 2014, Italy 2010 and France themselves in 2002).

Didier Deschamps will lead Les Blues into a major tournament for the fifth time, but is under pressure for the first time – his tactics and team selection were criticized following their Round of 16 exit at Euro 2020, with many surprised he changed from 4-3-3 to a 3-4-3 in Bucharest.

The return from international wilderness coupled with stunning La Liga form for Karim Benzema will continue to boost an already star-studded squad that will arrive in Qatar as second favourites behind Brazil.

Steven Caldwell's take: “France are obviously loaded with talent. I think they’re coming off a disappointing Euro where they expected to compete for the title, but they’re the World Cup holders at the moment and they’ll be one of the favourites because of Karim Benzema, Kylian Mbappe and Antoine Griezmann being probably the most dangerous front three in the tournament.”

Head-to-head v Canada: 1-0-0

Confederation: UEFAFIFA ranking: 11Team nickname: De Rød-HvidePrevious World Cup appearances: FiveHonours: European Championships: