Dembele starts for France v Australia, Kounde benched

It has been officially confirmed that Ousmane Dembele will start for their opening 2022 World Cup game against Australia. The other Barcelona player, Jules Kounde, remains on the bench.

France XI: Lloris; Pavard, Konate, Upamecano, L. Hernandez; Tchouameni, Rabiot; Dembele, Griezmann, Mbappe; Giroud.

France play in Group D with Denmark, Tunisia and Australia. Earlier today, Denmark and Tunisia drew 0-0.