France will play Poland in the last 16 of the 2022 World Cup after securing top spot in Group D despite their 1-0 defeat to Tunisia on Wednesday.
Les Bleus had already booked their place in the last 16 prior to their final group stage clash with the Eagles of Carthage after winning their opening two games against Australia (4-1) and Denmark (2-1) last week.
But the 2018 World Cup champions will now lock horns with one of Poland in the next round, where they will aim to continue their strong start to the tournament in the hope of reaching the quarter-finals.
Heading into their final Group D clash with Tunisia, France knew they had virtually secured top spot as a result of their three point gap over second-place Australia, while they also had a superior goal difference to the Socceroos.
It meant Les Bleus would have to suffer a heavy defeat to their north African opponents and Australia would need a big win against Denmark to stand any chance of being leapfrogged in the standings on goal difference.
As it happened, Wahbi Khazri scored the only goal of the game to hand Tunisia a historic victory over France, who made nine changes for the game, although Australia's 1-0 victory over Denmark ensured Les Bleus still finished top on goal difference.
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Nonetheless, the reigning champions will take on Poland in their last 16 clash at 3pm on Sunday, December 4 at the Al Thumama Stadium in the capital city of Doha.
Heading into the final round of games, Poland sat top of the group on four points, with Argentina second on three points. Saudi Arabia also had three points but are third due to goal difference, with Mexico propping up the table on one point.
But Argentina's 2-0 win over the Europeans, coupled with Mexico's 2-1 win over Saudi Arabia, meant that, on goal difference, Poland finished second behind Lionel Scaloni's men.
Given the nature of the performance from Robert Lewandowski and co, France will be heavy favourites when the two meet this weekend.
