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

On Friday evening, France will face Norway in what many expect to be the standout group match of this summer's FIFA World Cup. Both teams are still aiming to top their group, setting the stage for a tense encounter featuring PSG stars like Ousmane Dembele and Bradley Barcola.

In recent matches, Dembele finally found the net for Didier Deschamps’ side after 19 attempts at major tournaments, marking his first goal at either a World Cup or European Championship. Barcola also made an impact by scoring off the bench during the opener against Senegal. Meanwhile, other PSG players such as Lucas Hernandez and Warren Zaire-Emery have yet to make their tournament debut.

What Happens if France Tops Their Group?

Thanks to a slightly better goal difference, Les Bleus only need a draw to secure first place in the group. If that happens, they will face a third-place finisher from one of these groups: C, D, F, G, or H. For example, the third-placed team in Group C, Scotland, is unlikely to advance further. On the other hand, the third-place team in Group F, currently Sweden, appears to be a more probable opponent.

What If France Finishes Second?

A loss to Erling Haaland and Norway would send France into second place. This path leads directly to a clash with Ivory Coast in Arlington on Tuesday at 19:00 CET. That matchup holds particular intrigue because Ivory Coast, the 2023 AFCON champions, recently defeated France in a friendly earlier this month. There's also a personal angle since Ivory Coast's squad features Guela Doue, brother of Desire Doue, a French player. A family reunion on the field could be quite the storyline.

Facing Ivory Coast won't be easy. This is their first time reaching the World Cup knockout rounds, a feat the golden generation of Yaya Toure and Didier Drogba never achieved. Despite the friendly loss, any knockout game is tough, reflecting the quality of all teams at this stage.

Why Winning the Group Matters

Regardless of the opponent, every knockout match presents challenges. Still, finishing top of the group usually means a somewhat easier route forward. For Les Bleus, securing that first spot remains a priority. It can make the difference between a tricky clash and a somewhat smoother path in the tournament.