2022 FIFA World Cup - Group D details, prediction and broadcast info

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The defending champions will start their quest to a new World Cup title against two familiar foes and an enigmatic team. Here's all you need to know to follow Group D.

Group D of the 2022 FIFA World Cup is set to be one of the most competitive in the tournament, starting with the fact that France will begin their run in the competition in this lot. The teams that will be trying to embarrass the defending champions are Denmark, Tunisia, and Australia, one of the last teams to earn their spot in the tournament via one of the intercontinental playoffs.

The 2018 FIFA World Cup champions will get a chance to re-enact their rivalry with the Danish side, who have shared group with them in three different World Cup editions: 1998, 2002, and 2018. Out of those, it is safe to say that France have gotten the best deal out of their meetings, since they have gone on to win the title in two of those tournaments. Meanwhile, Tunisia and Australia will battle for a potential runner-up spot, although their fight could revolve around who finishes the group stage in last place, something they will want to avoid.

Let us have a closer look at each team's profile, strengths, and weaknesses before the first match kicks off.

Team descriptions: Who's who in Group D

France - The defending champions will have to find a way to muster some of the strength they have lost in recent months, where they have lost matches against Denmark (twice), and Croatia. Added to that, Les Bleus will have to deal with a couple of injuries to some key players to their success in 2018. But not everything will be bad news for Didier Deschamps and his crew, as Karim Benzema will return with the team after missing out on the 2018 edition. The 2022 Ballon D'Or winner will be one of the main attractions of this group and will surely be one of the top players for France along with a familiar face that led them to the title in Russia.

Australia - The Socceroos make it to their fifth FIFA World Cup in a row, trying to reach the KO Stage for the first time since 2006. This version of the Aussies will feature some interesting players led by Mathew Leckie, Aaron Mooy, Jackson Irvine and goalkeeper Mathew Ryan, who will want to leave their mark in history for the Australian side. The Asian side has not been able to win any of their last six World Cup games, which means that any improvement they show should be backed up by a victory in any of their matches in Qatar.

Denmark - Watching the Danish side will certainly be interesting after what happened last year in the UEFA Euro, where they made it to the semi-finals and ended their run in the tournament in a nerve-wracking clash against England. Now, the man that fueled their massive performance in the Euros will be back on the pitch with them, along with Kasper Schmeichel, Kasper Dolberg, and Martin Braithwaite. The Danish Dynamite made it to the competition with a near-perfect qualifying stage, and it will be their time to show they can go beyond the Quarterfinals this time to see the team reach new heights such as the ones they reached in the Euro last season.

Tunisia - The African team returns to a World Cup with the task of winning more than one game in the tournament, the highest number they have accomplished in two of their runs in this competition. Led by coach Jalel Kadri, the Eagles of Carthage will enter Qatar with a mix of experienced players and talented footballers in their twenties, with Ellyes Skhiri and Dylan Bronn being two of their stellar ballers and who could be among the highest rated players in the competition if they can find a way to get past teams that clearly have more tools at their disposal.

Must-watch games in Group D

The top match to keep an eye on in this group will be without a doubt France vs Denmark, which has become a classic whenever these teams run into each other in World Cup group stages. Once that game has been played, fans might want to keep an eye on France vs Australia, the opening match for Les Bleus in the competition. Additionally, a good clash to watch will be Denmark vs Australia, mainly since these teams could be entangled in a battle for the runner-up spot.

Players to keep an eye on

Kylian Mbappé - The man who is expected to becom the next big thing in the world of football will have to carry France to the top practically by himself, as Paul Pogba and N'Golo Kanté will not be around to help. The World Cup will give Mbappé a chance to redeem himself after all the controversy that has surrounded him in the past months, keeping in mind that if Mbappé gets his mind set on the pitch, there may be no way to stop him.

Mbappe France

Matthew Leckie - The midfielder will return with the Socceroos for a third World Cup installment, this time as the team's captain. His drive and leadership will be key for the team in the upcoming competition, mainly since his skills will be put to test one more time in the International arena. Being one of the veterans for the Aussies, it is expected to see Leckie not only leading the team with his skills, but maybe by finding the back of the net for the first time in a FIFA World Cup.

Christian Eriksen - The midfielder will be one of the players to watch following his amazing story in the 2020 UEFA Euro. Eriksen is the personification of a man who has risen from the ashes back to the spotlight, and his drive will be key to take Denmark to new heights. Eriksen started with the Danish side as one of the youngest players on the pitch in 2010, and now he will be one of the most experienced footballers for the red and white side en route to what they would like to see as a historic run in the competition.

Wahbi Khazri - The African team's chances will rely heavily on what Khazri can do for them. The Montpellier striker is the top active scorer for Tunisia with 24 goals, twelve less than the all-time leader in that department. Hence, Khazri will be a force to take under consideration for their opponents' defense when the time comes to face the Eagles of Carthage. Khazri is also one of the most experienced players for this team with 71 caps for the national team, which may come in handy when crucial moments come for the African team.

Group D prediction

France have to be named favorites to win the group despite their recent injury problems, with Denmark ready to put up a fight and even surprise Les Bleus. Regarding the runner-up spot, the smart money would go for the Danish Dynamite, although Australia could be able to shock the world if they can beat Eriksen and Co. Last, but not least, it seems that Tunisia will not have what it takes to fight for a spot in the decisive stage, and quite frankly, their options to even win a point seem a bit far-fetched.

1. France - Through to the next round.

2. Denmark - Through to the next round.

3. Australia - Eliminated.

4. Tunisia - Eliminated.

2022 FIFA World Cup - Group D schedule

This group's fixtures will begin on Tuesday, November 22 with the match between Denmark and Tunisia. The second matchday for this group will be on November 26, while the final day of action will take place on November 30.