When is it? How can you watch it? What are the possible line-ups?
Austria and France meet in their first Group D match at UEFA EURO 2024.
Austria vs France at a glance
When: Tuesday 18 June (03:00 GMT+8 kick-off)
Where: Düsseldorf Arena
What: UEFA EURO 2024 Group D Matchday 1
What do you need to know?
Austria are making their fourth EURO finals appearance, and their third in a row, but they face one of the most consistent teams in Europe in their opening game. France are taking part in their 11th EURO and have reached the final in three of their last four major tournaments – they lifted the World Cup in 2018 but suffered defeats in the EURO 2016 and 2022 World Cup deciders. The only exception to that streak came at EURO 2020, when they were knocked out by Switzerland in the round of 16.
Both teams qualified impressively, with Austria only a point behind group winners Belgium in their section, while Les Bleus were imperious, dropping only two points. However, each will be acutely aware that Group D is a tough section to call, with games to come against Poland and the Netherlands. Getting off to a positive start, therefore, will be imperative for both.
Possible line-ups
Austria: Pentz; Posch, Danso, Wöber, Mwene; Seiwald, Grillitsch; Laimer, Sabitzer, Baumgartner; Gregoritsch
France: Maignan; Koundé, Saliba, Upamecano, Hernández; Griezmann, Kanté, Rabiot; Dembélé, Thuram, Mbappé
Form guide
Austria:
Form (all competitions, most recent first): DWWWWW
France:
Form (all competitions, most recent first): DWWLDW
Expert predictions
James Thorogood, Austria reporter
Dealt the toughest possible group and opening fixture, Austria are leaning into their role as EURO dark horses. After reaching the knockout stages for the first time at EURO 2020, they once again want to prove that a smaller nation can make a splash among Europe’s elite. Combining Rangnick’s savvy on the sidelines with one of the most united squads the country has ever had, there is a belief that Austria’s high-intensity brand of football might even cause France problems.
Alex Clementson, France reporter
With the team billed as pre-tournament favourites by many, the French camp have been keen to swat away suggestions that they are taking their opening-day opponents lightly. Deschamps is well versed in Ragnick’s penchant for a committed press, but as always, his focus is on how his side can cause their opponents the most problems. Boasting a front-line of Dembélé, Thuram and Mbappé, expect that explosiviness, chemistry and pure talent to show the way for Les Bleus.
What the coaches say
Ralf Rangnick, Austria coach: “We’re playing against one of the biggest, maybe the biggest, favourites of the tournament. We’re playing against the world vice-champions, and definitely the nation which has the best squad and best forwards. We need to play at our best level. It’s crucial that we are courageous and convinced of our own strength. The atmosphere in the squad is great and everyone is fit.”
Didier Deschamps, France coach: “We’ve observed Austria’s last four games. We have video analysis of what we’ll be facing. What all those games had in common was intensity. Of course, they have quality and talent, but Austria’s strength is the ability to apply intensity and pressure. And they use verticality well in how they play. This is the first game and we’ll have to be focused.”