World Cup Predictions: Group D

Reigning champions France are the headline act in Group D at the upcoming World Cup 2022, but may not have it all their own way during the early stages of the tournament.

France take on both Denmark and Australia, both of whom they also faced in the group stages at the World Cup in 2018, as well as Tunisia. Tunisia are likely to have plenty of players in their squad who were born in France.

France are the 1.487* favourites to win Group D and are at just 1.100* to advance to the next round. However, Denmark could cause an upset.

They beat France both at home and away in the Nations League and will be confident after reaching the semi-finals of at Euro 2020, where they lost out to England. Denmark are at 3.300* to win Group D and at 1.344* to advance from Group D.

In truth, it is hard to see either Australia or Tunisia progressing from Group D. Australia are at 4.650* to do so, while Tunisia are at 4.750*.

France will arguably the most talented squad of any country at the World Cup 2022 and are headlined by Kylian Mbappé. The forward became only the second teenager in history to score in a World Cup final in 2018 and has only improved since.

Mbappé is at 10.720* to win the Golden Boot and is likely to play in attack alongside Antoine Griezmann and Karim Benzema.

France also have Hugo Lloris as their captain and goalkeeper, and Raphaël Varane in defence, although they have worries in midfield, with Paul Pogba out of the World Cup and N'Golo Kanté also struggling with injury.

Denmark also have talent across the field but their team is built on collective strength, epitomised by captain and key defender Simon Kjaer. However, their real star is Christian Eriksen.

The 30-year-old has resumed his career after a serious illness and has shown signs since his return that he remains one of the most creative midfielders in the game.

For Australia, midfielder Aaron Mooy's experience and quality will be vital, while Tunisia's hopes could hang on Youssef Msakni.

The forward missed the World Cup in 2018 and despite now being 32, will feel he is owed a chance to shine on the world stage, while he has local knowledge on his side, having spent a lot of his career playing club football in Qatar.

The game between France (2.030*) and Denmark (3.880*) on November 26 will likely decide who wins Group D. France have the better players, but Denmark’s collective quality means they have arguably the better team.

Denmark have had the edge in recent meetings and may upset France. However, it is unlikely that either Australia (2.780*) or Tunisia (2.840*) will be able to trouble the top two and their meeting on November 26 could be the game both nations are targeting as a chance to pick up points.

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