France target another World Cup charge with Mbappe leading star-studded squad

France, listed at number three in the world, have often been accused of promising more than they deliver. Their most recent World Cup campaign, however, was no empty show, as they pushed all the way to the final before Argentina edged them on penalties.

Argentina looked to be in command of that match until Kylian Mbappe dragged France back into a contest they had little business trailing. That fightback is the kind of steel Les Bleus may need if they are to lift the World Cup for a fourth time.

Champions in 2018 and beaten finalists in 2022, France will arrive among the strongest favourites. Their squad is packed with attacking quality, backed by a dependable defence and reserves who would start for many other nations.

The big issue is whether France can blend that talent properly, settle on the right approach through the knockout stages and live up to the weight of expectation.

Players to watch are Kylian Mbappe, Ousmane Dembele, Michael Olise and Rayan Cherki. France are in Group I with Iraq, Norway and Senegal.

The FIFA top 10 reads: Argentina, Spain, France, England, Portugal, Brazil, Morocco, Netherlands, Belgium and Germany.