Who Could France Face in the World Cup Knockouts? Possible Matchups Explored

As France prepares for its final group match against Norway this Friday evening, all eyes are on PSG stars like Ousmane Dembele and Bradley Barcola. This clash is considered one of the most eagerly awaited games of the tournament so far, with both teams battling to top their group.

Dembele recently netted his first major tournament goal after 19 attempts, opening his scoring account in the competition. Barcola also made an impact by scoring off the bench during the opener against Senegal. Meanwhile, fellow PSG players like Lucas Hernandez and Warren Zaire-Emery have yet to make their mark on this World Cup stage.

What Happens if France Tops the Group?

Thanks to a slightly superior goal difference, France only needs a draw to secure first place in the group. Finishing first means they would face a third-place team from groups C, D, F, G, or H. Among these, Scotland (third in Group C) is unlikely to advance. Sweden, currently sitting third in Group F, appears the most probable opponent.

If France Ends Up Second

A loss to Norway, led by Erling Haaland, would push France into second place. That would set up a knockout clash against Ivory Coast in Arlington next Tuesday at 19:00 CET.

This potential matchup carries extra intrigue since Ivory Coast defeated France in a recent friendly. The Ivorian squad also features Guela Doue, brother of their star Desire Doue, adding a personal edge to the contest.

Ivory Coast’s presence in the knockout phase marks a historic achievement—they’ve reached this stage for the first time ever, surpassing the efforts of legends like Yaya Toure and Didier Drogba.

The Challenge Ahead

No matter who France faces, the knockout rounds promise tough battles. Opponents here earned their spots by proving their quality. Still, finishing top of the group generally offers an easier path forward, something any team would welcome.