The French team will finally be decided. After having completed a high-level qualifying campaign by finishing first in Group B with seven wins and one draw in eight matches, the Blues will know the nations that will stand in their way during the group stage of Euro 2024. Three teams (among the 12 play-offs) must still qualify, but UEFA will proceed to the draw for the final phase this Saturday, December 2.
Thanks to their excellent qualifying run, Didier Deschamps’ men are guaranteed to be among the six seeded nations, alongside Germany (host country), Portugal, Spain, Belgium and England. Good news for the reigning world vice-champions. As a reminder, France was placed in pot 2 during the draw for the group stage of Euro 2020 and had inherited the group of death of the competition (Germany, Portugal, Hungary).
A less risky draw than 4 years ago?
As is often the case, during a major international competition, the less rated nations can always create a surprise, but this time, France has a little more chance of avoiding a very tough draw. However, such a scenario exists. The Tricolores can inherit an eye-catching country from hat 2 (Turkey, Denmark or Hungary, who all finished first in the group), the Netherlands or Scotland in hat 3 and Switzerland or Italy in pot 4, even if our Azzurri neighbors have looked pale since their coronation at Wembley in 2021.
The draw can also go better if the DD gang falls on the surprising Albania of Sylvinho (pot 2), Slovenia or Slovakia (pot 3) and on one of the play-off players from pot 4. While waiting for the verdict of the draw scheduled for Saturday at 6 p.m. near Hamburg, simulation enthusiasts have time to compose the pool of their dreams.
The 4 hats
Pot 1: Germany (host), Portugal, France, Spain, Belgium, England
Pot 2: Hungary, Türkiye, Romania, Denmark, Albania, Austria
Pot 3: Netherlands, Scotland, Croatia, Slovenia, Slovakia, Czechia
Pot 4: Italy, Serbia, Switzerland, Winner of the jump-off route A, Winner of the jump-off route B, Winner of the route C jump-off
