After Argentina’s shocking loss to Saudi Arabia on Tuesday, France has taken over as the third betting favorites (behind Brazil and England) to win the 2022 World Cup. And it will have its first chance to prove its dominance in a match against Australia on Tuesday afternoon.
Australia vs. France Match Info & Betting Odds
2022 World Cup Group D
- Matchup: France vs. Australia
- Date: Tuesday. Nov. 22, 2022
- Time: 2 p.m. ET
- Coverage: Fox
Betting Odds & Prediction
Via DraftKings
- Moneyline: France -425, Australia +1100, Draw +550
- Total: Over 2.5 (-155), Under 2.5 (+125)
- Both Teams to Score: Yes (+145), No (-300)
It’s hard not to take France, the reigning World Cup champions, against a clearly inferior opponent in Australia. But perhaps there’s some evidence to prove that Australia could keep it close. These two teams faced off in 2018 and France came out on top by a score of 2-1, with Australia’s lone goal coming via penalty shot.
Australia has won its past five international matches, but none has come against an opponent of France’s caliber. After losing to Saudi Arabia and Japan in World Cup qualifiers, Australia rattled of wins against United Arab Emirates, Peru (in penalties), and was able to beat New Zealand twice.
France has continued its dominance since scoring 2.9 goals per game in its 2018 title run. But it will be without midfielders N’Golo Kante and Paul Pogba during this World Cup. Still, expect the likes of Kylian Mbappe and Olivier Giroud to be able to have their way with the Australians.
Since announcing himself to the national audience during the 2018 World Cup, Mbappe hasn’t skipped a beat, and continues to prove that he’s one of the very best goal scorers in the entire world. In 13 games with PSG this season, Mbappe has been able to find the back of the net twice.
No team has won back-to-back World Cups since Brazil accomplished that feat in 1958 and 1962. But look for the French to prove they’re capable in their first game.
Australia-France Best Bets: Kylian Mbappe to Score (-115), France -1.5 (-150)
