Tunisia vs France World Cup Picks and Predictions: Les Bleus' Offense Keeps Rolling

With maximum points and large doses of Kylian Mbappe magic, France are already safely through to the World Cup's knockout rounds — but this final group game offers the slimmest of lifelines for the Tunisians, who need a Wednesday miracle to sneak into second place in Group D.

Mbappe’s double sunk a stubborn Denmark side in France’s last outing, taking the striker’s goal tally to three for the tournament. Since the top spot is all but sealed, expect Didier Deschamps to rotate his squad here and rest key men.

For Tunisia, it will take an emphatic win on Wednesday to defy World Cup odds, plus a loss or tie for Australia, to make the Round of 16 a reality. After failing to score in their opening two games, that’s a big ask for the Eagles of Carthage.

Check out our Tunisia vs France World Cup picks and predictions for the inside track on this Wednesday, November 30 clash.

Tunisia vs France odds

Tunisia vs France picks and predictions

There’s a strong chance that Deschamps opts to rest some of his regulars, though only Jules Kounde is carrying a yellow card. That makes France players props a tricky proposition, but I still expect the defending champions to put on a show to continue their winning start.

If Mbappe, Olivier Giroud, and Antoine Griezmann all start, that combination should be too much for a Tunisia team that allowed nine shots on goal in their 1-0 loss to a limited Australia attack. If France shuffles the deck, there’s a major incentive for backups like Kingsley Coman, Marcus Thuram, and Randal Kolo Muani to make an impression.

Either way, I like France’s chances of bagging at least a couple of goals in a game that should be fairly open. After all, the Tunisia game plan has to change heading into this final group game, with a defense-first mindset unlikely to get the job done against such a talented French squad. 

The Eagles of Carthage — yet to score at the tournament — need not only the three points but also a win that boosts their goal difference enough to trump Australia and Denmark, so calculated risks are a must. As Tunisia pushes more players forward, that should open up space for an electric French attack to do damage.

I’m eyeing up the odds for France to bring their shooting boots and finish the group stage on a high note.

My best bet: France Over 1.5 goals (-150 at bet365)

Tunisia vs France side analysis

The depth in this French squad is remarkable and, after this strong start to the 2022 World Cup, it's easy to forget the lengthy injury list that includes Karim Benzema, Paul Pogba, and N’Golo Kante. Les Bleus just keep rolling along — and the oddsmakers expect them to do so again here, despite Tunisia having more at stake.

Though we could see as many as six or seven changes from the France team that beat Denmark 2-1 on Saturday, Deschamps will still be fielding a side brimming with quality and hunger to seize the moment. There’s every chance that we’ll see Mbappe at some stage, given his quest to be the tournament’s Golden Boot winner.

Tunisia’s 3-4-2-1 formation was stifled by Australia in the disappointing 1-0 loss despite the Eagles of Carthage dominating possession. Jalel Kadri has some big decisions ahead on whether to shake up his starting lineup, knowing that a more adventurous performance is required here. Expect Tunisia to start off with caution and try to get a foothold in the game before chasing goals.

Tunisia vs France Over/Under analysis

Tunisia managed four shots on target against the Aussies — an improvement over the single shot on target in the 0-0 draw with Denmark — but this isn’t a team built for end-to-end thrillers. That was the big concern heading into the World Cup, and now Kadri’s men find themselves in the uncomfortable position of needing goals to save their tournament.

The French defense hasn’t been impenetrable so far in Qatar, conceding a goal in both games, so there’s hope for Tunisia if it can make the most of set pieces and counter-attacks. But the Eagles of Carthage have to find ways to give Issam Jebali more support as the lone striker, and that means getting Youssef Msakni into more advanced positions, plus perhaps a bigger role for experienced playmaker Wahbi Khazri. 

Regardless of who starts in attack for France, look for the defending champions to create chances. As covered above, with the pace and movement available to Deschamps, it would be no surprise if Les Bleus score two or three goals on Wednesday to further solidify themselves as leading contenders to lift the trophy.

Tunisia vs France game info

Tunisia vs France key injuries

Tunisia: No key injuries to report.
France: Karim Benzema ST (Out), Paul Pogba MF (Out), N’Golo Kante MF (Out).

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