France's Possible Opponents in the World Cup Knockout Round

On Friday evening, France and their PSG stars face Norway in one of the most awaited group matches of this World Cup. Both teams are battling to top the group.

Earlier, Ousmane Dembele scored his first major tournament goal for Didier Deschamps’ side after 19 attempts, while Bradley Barcola made an impact off the bench against Senegal. Other PSG players like Lucas Hernandez and Warren Zaire-Emery have yet to make their mark on the tournament.

With a slightly better goal difference, Les Bleus only need a draw to secure first place in the group. But what happens depending on whether they finish first or second?

If France Finish First

A win or draw means France will face a third-placed team from Groups C, D, F, G, or H. The third-place side from Group C (Scotland) probably won't advance. The most likely opponent could be Sweden from Group F.

If France Finish Second

A loss to Erling Haaland’s Norway would drop them to second place, setting up a match against Ivory Coast in Arlington next Tuesday at 19:00 CET.

This matchup is intriguing for several reasons. Ivory Coast, the 2023 AFCON champions, actually beat France in a friendly earlier this month. Plus, their squad includes Guela Doue, brother of Desire Doue, who might face his sibling if the two teams meet.

Ivory Coast has never reached the knockout stage before, so this squad is achieving what the Yaya Toure and Didier Drogba generation couldn’t. They’re a strong side, and facing them would be tough regardless.

In any case, World Cup knockout rounds always bring tough opponents. Still, finishing top of the group generally offers an easier path forward, which is never unwelcome.