Who Will France Face in the World Cup Knockout Stage? Potential Scenarios
Ahead of France's third and final group game on Friday evening, take a look at the potential permutations for PSG stars including Ousmane Dembele, Bradley Barcola and co.
On Friday evening, France and their PSG superstars will take on Norway in what is seen by some as the most anticipated group game at this summer's FIFA World Cup, with both teams still trying vying to win the group.
Last time out, Ousmane Dembele scored his first goal for Didier Deschamps' side at a major tournament - World Cup or European Championships - at the 19th attempt. In the opener against Senegal, Bradley Barcola scored off the bench. The other PSG players have perhaps not quite had the same fortune, with Lucas Hernandez and Warren Zaire-Emery still waiting for their tournament introductions.
Due to their marginally better goal difference, Les Blues need just a point to be sure of top spot. But, what are the permutations for France regarding whether they finish in first or second place?
Should Les Blues draw or win tomorrow night, and thus ensure top spot - they will face a third placed side. This opponent will come from one of: Group C, D, F, G or H. The third placed team in Group C (Scotland), are unlikely to progress. The Group F third place team (Sweden), would be the most likely opponents, as it stands.
Meanwhile, if France finish second in the group with a defeat at the hands of Erling Haaland and Norway, it becomes more straightforward. They would simply play Ivory Coast in Arlington next Tuesday at 19:00 CET.
Now, that game is very interesting for a number of reasons, not least because the 2023 AFCON Champions actually beat France in a friendly earlier on this month. Plus, they have Desire Doue's brother, Guela, at right back in their squad. So there is a non zero chance that the two come up against each other in that potential match up.
There is no doubt that would be a hard game, not least because of the friendly result earlier this month, but also because Ivory Coast are simply a very good side. This is their first ever qualification for the World Cup knockouts - so the current crop of players have done what the era of Yaya Toure and Didier Drogba failed to do.
It's sort of by the by, really. If you are in the knockout stages of the World Cup, it will be a hard game. The opponents are there for a reason. Nevertheless, it is clear that winning the group would make things easier, and that can never really be a bad thing.
Source: Psgworld.io
