The reigning World Cup champions hope to make their first title defense in Qatar when they welcome Kazakhstan. The match is schedules for Saturday at the Parc des Princes with a kickoff at 10:45 pm.
Didier Deschamps’s side will assure themselves of a first-place finish with all three points this weekend, while their visitors have already been consigned to a fifth-place standing.
France has been in a questionable cycle of late, going through a few defensive changes and seemingly struggling with inspiration.
Even so, France have been able to find their footing this past month against top teams in the somewhat weaker World Cup qualifiers.
After finishing top of their group in Russia 2018, France topped the same group and recorded a 2-1 victory over Belgium in the Round of 16, before their subsequent semi-final encounter with 2010 World Cup winners Spain.
Subsequently, Karim Benzema and Kylian Mbappe put their names at the penalty spot within minutes of kick-off to record a memorable 4-3 win for the French side.
France fell 2-0 behind in the opening minutes in Doha, but a late goal from Kylian Mbappe salvaged a draw for Didier Deschamps’ side in a world-famous venue they have dominated over the years.
With a team composed of players from multiple European and Asian leagues and featuring the best Kazakhstan had to offer at their disposal, many had hoped that the country’s first-ever World Cup appearance might arrive sooner rather than later.
France vs. Kazakhstan Head to Head
Both sides have one game against each other, with France taking one win while opponents are winless. Here is a look at their previous encounters:
Home
- Spain 1-2 France
- Belgium 2-3 France
- France 2-0 Finland
- Ukraine 1-1 France
- France 1-1 Bosnia
Away
- Kazakhstan 0-2 Finland
- Kazakhstan 0-2 Bosnia
- Bosnia 2-2 Kazakhstan
- Finland 1-0 Kazakhstan
- Kazakhstan 2-2 Ukraine
France Team News
Pogba was forced off the field during France’s training session on Friday and has since been ruled out of their upcoming friendly against Kosovo and two World Cup qualifiers. The Jordan Veretout has been called into action to replace Paul Pogba, who has been withdrawn from the France team through illness.
Kazakhstan Team News
Club Captain Yann Vorhogovsky and center Bakhtiyar Zaynutdinov picked up their second bookings of qualification against Finland. He remains unavailable this weekend.
Prediction and Odds
Though there are concerns about the fitness of key men, France has done well enough without them.
- France Win
- Goals Over 2.5
- No Score: Away
