World Cup 2022 France vs Australia, Tips & Predictions

Current champions France start their World Cup title defence against Australia at the Al Janoub Stadium in Al Wakrah on November 22nd, where Les Blues are odds-on favourites to post an early victory in Group D. The Socceroos are competing in their fifth World Cup tournament in a row this year, though an opening round date with France should test every inch of their experience. The odds at 22bet suggest France should cruise to victory and you can check out our predictions for the contest below. We also recommend checking out our 22bet review to learn more about their promos, bonuses and more.

France and Australia have met on four previous occasions between 2001 and 2018 with Les Bleus winning twice, the Socceroos winning once and the final encounter finishing all square.

• France have lost only one of their last 12 fixtures in World Cup tournaments
• Australia have lost five of their last six World Cup group matches.
• France scored 12 goals in their last three World Cup qualification contests.

We kick off our World Cup betting selection with a dip into the always popular goals markets. France looked a little short on firepower during their Nations League campaign where they failed to score more than twice in any of their fixtures. Australia, who haven’t conceded more than two goals in any game since March 2018, are dogged enough defensively to make life awkward for the goal-shy Les Blues, so don’t expect a deluge of action at the Al Janoub Stadium. With that in mind, our first prediction recommends a stake on under 3.5 goals to be registered.

Under 3.5 Goals – 1/2

Australia exited at the group stage in each of the last two World Cup tournaments (2014, 2018) and though they found it tough to carve out victories, they did manage to impact the scoresheet in most of their games. Indeed, the Socceroos found the net in four of their last six World Cup fixtures, one of which was against France in 2018.

Graham Arnold’s plucky underdogs could breach the French defence again in Qatar, though keeping the star-studded Les Bleus out at the opposite end should prove a far trickier task. France have notched in ten of their last 13 games at World Cup competitions and our second betting tip advises bettors to back both teams to score when the champions take on Australia.

Both Teams to Score – 11/8

Iconic PSG striker Kylian Mbappe is the poster boy for French football and the 23-year-old was a key member of Les Blues’ World Cup winning squad as a teenager in 2018. Mbappe scored four times in the tournament, including Frances’s fourth goal in the final itself against Croatia and the rapid attacker has gone from strength to strength since, both for club and country. Mbappe has scored at least 30 times in his last four seasons and the Parisian will be one to watch in the anytime goalscorer stakes again against Australia in Qatar.

Kylian Mbappe to Score Anytime – TBC

France

France lifted the World Cup for the second time in 2018 and though they qualified for the tournament’s latest iteration in Qatar, Les Blues’ poor Nations League performances hinted that the team’s powers could be on the wane. Long-serving Coach Didier Deschamps is overseeing a changing of the guard in France, though the country’s new superstars still have it all to prove.

Key Players: Kylian Mbappe, Aurélien Tchouaméni, Dayot Upamecano

Team News: With N'Golo Kante, Paul Pogba, and most recently Karim Benzema out of the World Cup, the French side will rely on veteran striker Olivier Giroud along with Kylian Mbappe and Antoine Griezmann up front.

Predicted Lineups: Lloris – Kounde – Upamecano, Varane, Hernandez – Tchouameni, Guendouzi, Rabiot – Griezmann, Mbappe, Giroud

Australia

Australia had to undertake an arduous journey to make it to Qatar, however, their trek through group and playoff qualification phases will have hardened their resolve ahead of the tournament proper. Coached by Graham Arnold, the Socceroos lack the star quality of older generations however, and an early exit looks the likeliest outcome for the perennial underdogs.

Key Players: Mathew Ryan, Aaron Mooy, Mathew Leckie

Team News: Graham Arnold deployed his team in a 4-1-4-1 formation for Australia’s qualification playoff against Peru and a similar system could be used in Qatar. Keeper Matthew Ryan is the team’s captain and an influential figure, while Celtic’s Aaron Mooy knits play together through the middle of the pitch.

Predicted Lineups: Ryan – Atkinson, Wright, Sainsbury, Behich – Mooy, Boyle, Hrustic, Irvine, Leckie – Duke

France are listed as one of the pre-tournament favourites to successfully defend their crown in Qatar and in Kylian Mbappe, Les Bleus have a player with unrivalled match-winning potential. The 23-year-old averages a goal every other game for France and his searing pace and close control could prove too hot to handle for an ordinary Australian outfit. With the match result betting odds priced too heavily in France’s favour, our premium prediction tips Mbappe to find the net anytime instead.

Kylian Mbappe to Score Anytime – TBC