Current form: France vs USA
After a perfect group stage campaign in which they beat Norway, South Korea, and Nigeria, France's first major test came in the round of 16 as they were pitted against Brazil. Les Bleues needed a very late goal to see off the South American powerhouse, but skipper Amandine Henry came to the rescue, netting in the 107th minute to prevent the tie from going to penalties.
Although Corinne Diacre's ladies were the clearly dominant side, they struggled to convert their chances and that's what allowed Brazil to get a foothold in the match as the tie progressed. Still, with four wins from four games at this summer's tournament, France have been steadily growing in confidence - although their biggest test will certainly come this Friday as they now lock horns with reigning champions USA.
Like Les Bleues, the USA are unbeaten so far at this summer's tournament. After scoring 18 goals sans reply - 13 of those against minnows Thailand - Jill Ellis's side finally conceded their first goal as Spain scored a surprising equalizer shortly after Megan Rapinoe had converted from the spot. La Roja really put up a strong fight, as the Stars and Stripes needed another penalty to settle things in a very tense tactical battle. France will certainly be another tough examination for the defending champions and for neutrals and fans of both teams, this will arguably be the big game of this summer's World Cup.
France and the USA have been in excellent form since the start of 2019; Les Bleues have lost just one of their last 11 matches (a 1-0 friendly defeat to Germany) while winning their other ten. They come into this game off the back of a nine game winning streak, and notably beat the USA 3-1 in a friendly tie back in January.
That 3-1 loss represents Team USA's sole defeat this year out of their 13 matches, and they will be coming into their clash against France having won their last ten fixtures. With this game being winner takes all - will the USA get revenge on France for their 3-1 loss in January? Or will Les Bleues knock out the reigning champs and deny the Stars and Stripes a chance to win back to back titles?
How they got to this juncture: France vs USA
Both France and the USA had stellar group stage campaigns. Les Bleues picked up nine points out of nine after cruising to an easy 4-0 win over South Korea and defeating Norway and Nigeria 2-1 and 1-0 respectively. The round of 16 was a tougher ask, but they were able to avoid spot-kicks by beating Brazil in extra time.
As for the USA, they easily breezed through their group stage matches, blowing Thailand away 13-0, overpowering debutants Chile 3-0, and making sure Sweden didn't snatch top spot by battling to a 2-0 victory. Spain did present a much trickier opponent, but nonetheless, Team USA settled that game in regulation time - albeit they will have a day's less rest than France having played their match on Monday as opposed to Sunday.
Match facts and stats: France vs USA
- The USA will be seeking to make it a fourth World Cup title - and become the second team after Germany to successfully defend their crown
- France have only gotten to the semi-finals once before. That was at the 2011 edition, where they were beaten 3-1 by the United States
- The USA have a record of W17 D3 L3 against France...
- ...but Les Bleus have slowly started to turn the tide, with wins in two of their last three meetings (D1)
- France will be hoping to make it to the semi-finals for the first time since 2011
- The USA are unbeaten in their last 14 World Cup games (W11 D3) and have won their last nine consecutive games
- Should they beat France, they will match the ten-game winning streak set by Norway between 1995 and 1999
Team news: France vs USA
France: No serious injury or suspension worries for the hosts.
USA: Although she reportedly picked up an injury during the group stages, star striker Alex Morgan featured for most of the USA's match against Spain and will be expected to feature in the starting XI on Friday against France.
Where to watch France vs USA on June 28, 2019
In the US, catch this titanic tie featuring hosts France and reigning champs USA on FOX Network, UNIVERSO, UNIVERSO NOW, Telemundo Deportes En Vivo, and NBC Sports Live Extra App.
Fans in France who can't make it to the stadium can cheer on Les Bleues via TF1, Canal+ France, and TF1 Live.
Live elsewhere? Here are your options to follow all the action from France vs. USA:
Match details, result and original broadcast info
This match has ended. Below are the original Live broadcast details for this match.
Live TV coverage and streaming in United States
Live TV coverage and streaming in United States
