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PREVIEW: Can France regain World Cup crown after heartbreak in Qatar?

James McClair, World Cup correspondent

France seek retribution for their World Cup final defeat to Argentina four years ago with a third triumph in Didier Dechamps’ farewell tournament as manager of the national team.

Les Blues were crowned world champions in 2018 before seeing the trophy prised from their grasp by Lionel Scaloni’s side in Qatar – having reached the final for a fourth time in seven editions.

French captain Kylian Mbappé is chasing a personal slice of history as he looks to become the first player to win two World Cup golden boots, and overtake Olivier Giroud as his country’s all-time leading goal-scorer.

The Real Madrid forward finished ahead of Lionel Messi in the scoring charts in 2022 after netting the competition’s second ever final hattrick – one in the final – and remains just one goal shy of Giroud’s 57 for France.

Tipped by many to go all the way at this year’s tournament, Didier Deschamps’ men romped through qualifying to secure their place in North America but were beaten 2-1 by Ivory Coast on home soil ahead of the competition.

Michael Olise, another one of his in-form talents, netted a hat-trick on Monday evening to give him the perfect send off on home soil with a 3-1 victory over Northern Ireland in their final warm-up game before the tournament.

Deschamps has numerous other experienced operators to lean on amongst his squad. Ballon d’Or winner Ousmane Dembélé, Lucas Hernandez, N’golo Kanté, and Mbappé were all part of the squad that lifted the trophy in Russia.

Additionally, Théo Hernandez, Dayot Upamecano, Jules Koundé, Aurélien Tchouameni and Adrien Rabiot started in their defat to Argentina in the final last time around.

Olise is joined up top by other exciting players, including Paris Saint-Germain’s Desire Doue and Manchester City’s Rayan Cherki – both of whom have captured the imagination of supporters with their maverick play styles.

For all their forward quality, France equally have a steely defensive department to rely upon.

William Saliba will bring a composure to the backline, should he be fit to start, and the likes of Upamecano, Ibrahima Konaté and Maxence Lacroix could all make dependable partners for the Arsenal man.

Given the strength of their travelling party, it’s hard to believe this is a squad missing Liverpool’s Hugo Ekitike through injury. There was also no room on the plane for Eduardo Camavinga.

Leading the nation into a fourth World Cup since taking charge in 2012, Deschamps will need his team to be fit and firing from minute one at this summer’s tournament with Group I appearing one of the toughest on paper.

Senegal had a superb run at this year’s AFCON before being controversially stripped of their title. They were also impressive en route to stamping their ticket for the World Cup, remaining unbeaten in qualifying.

Erling Haaland’s Norway are regarded by many as this year’s dark horses and could prove a tough nut to crack for the two-time world champions. Iraq, appearing at their second ever finals, complete the group.

France will begin their campaign against Senegal in New Jersey on Tuesday 16th of June before facing Iraq in Philadelphia six days later. Their final group stage game is against Norway in Boston on Friday 26th June.

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