The path to the final will be more or less perilous, depending on France’s ranking in its group and this Tuesday’s result against Poland.
With 4 points collected so far, France is almost certain to be qualified for the round of 16, because the four best third-placed teams (out of six groups) are drafted. While in group A, Hungary is on 3 points, and in group B, Croatia finishes on 2 points, France is officially saved.
There is still one match to play against Poland at 6 p.m., this Tuesday, June 25, 2024, when the Netherlands will face Austria. The battle for first place is on, and it could be essential for the rest of the competition.
If France finishes first, second or third, we review the potential opponents for the round of 16.
Ideal scenario, France takes first place
To do this, Poland will have to be a hit, which is easier said than done. France has the same number of points as the Netherlands, it will be necessary to score as many goals as possible this Tuesday to ensure first place if it comes down to goal average.
If this ideal scenario comes to fruition, France will play on July 2 at 9 p.m. in Leipzig against the 2nd in Group F. For the moment we find Portugal (6 points), Turkey (3 points), the Czech Republic ( 1 point) and Georgia (1 point).
Portugal has already secured first place. The future opponent of the Blues would for the moment be Turkey, barring an exploit from the Czech Republic or Georgia.
Being second makes the competition more complicated
At first glance, the round of 16 could be manageable, even if they finish second in the group. France would then face the second in Group E: Romania, Belgium, Slovakia or Ukraine. Nothing is decided in this group where all the teams are currently on 3 points.
Finding Belgium at the start of the final stages would be a huge shock in these round of 16, when France would start favorites against Romania, Ukraine or Slovakia.
If the Blues manage to get past the eighth, the real challenge begins, since they find themselves in the part of the table where Germany, Portugal and especially the formidable Spain have already qualified. The path to the final is much more perilous than in the other part of the table in which Italy and England, two big teams with a lower level of play this year, could face.
In third place, total uncertainty
If France does not win against Poland, and Austria triumphs over the Netherlands, they will finish in third place. Depending on the results of the other groups, France will be placed differently in the round of 16 table. Each time against a group winner.
Spain would be the most terrible opponent, from the outset. It is waiting to know who is the opponent between the 3rd in groups A, D (the French group) E or F.
The first in group E, potentially Belgium, will play against the third in groups A, B, C or D (the France group).
Finally, the first in group C, which could be England, will be opposed to the 3rd in groups D (France group), E or F.
