France beat Australia 2-1 in Russia four years ago, and are expected to get the better of the Socceroos again on Tuesday evening.
Among the favourites to lift the trophy, Les Bleus have a formidable squad even with a raft of injuries.
N’Golo Kante and Paul Pogba were ruled out before the tournament, and they have recently been joined on the sidelines by Christopher Nkunku and Karim Benzema.
Australia have failed to make it out of the group at the last three World Cups. They needed a penalty shootout to beat Peru in a qualification playoff.
Anytime Goalscorer: Kylian Mbappe
Kylian Mbappe was always destined to take centre stage for France in Qatar.
The injuries to Nkunku and Benzema only increase his importance for the defending champions, however, even though Didier Deschamps has experienced campaigners to call upon in Olivier Giroud and Antoine Griezmann.
Mbappe has seven goals in his last eight appearances – there’s definitely value here at 17/20. The 20/1 on a hat-trick is appealing, too.
Both Teams To Score: Yes
Australia have only failed to score once in their last five matches. They have scored in six of their last eight World Cup fixtures. France have kept a lone clean sheet in six fixtures.
While Les Bleus cruising to a win to nil is going to be a popular pick, and understandably so, it is a surprise to see both teams to score out at 6/4.
First Team Booking: Australia
Australia were only middle of the pack in cards receive during AFC World Cup qualifying, but this match will take a different pattern from the majority of those fixtures.
As heavy underdogs here, the Socceroos will be forced to chase the ball for most of the match.
Officials in the first few World Cup games have shown poor tackles will be punished. Given the quality France have in possession, a rash challenge or two from Australia is inevitable.
This is a good price.
All odds are subject to change