Australia First Up For France

In the intercontinental play-off of the Asia/South America zone, Australia knocked out Peru on Monday evening following a penalty shootout that ended 5 – 4 (FT 0 – 0). This sealed their place in Qatar, where they will face the defending champions, France. 

With just 161 days to go before the start of the 2022 World Cup in Qatar - To be played between November 21st and December 18th - France now know the identity of all their opponents. In addition to Denmark and Tunisia, Didier Deschamps’ Blues will face Australia on Tuesday November 22nd for their opening match of the competition. 

Currently 42nd in the FIFA world rankings, Australia, who eliminated the United Arab Emirates in the fourth qualifying round of the Asia zone, eliminated Peru on Monday evening in the intercontinental play off of the Asia/South America zone, eventually coming out on top 5 – 4 on penalties after a goalless stalemate in normal and extra time. 

The Socceroos will meet, in Group D, the same opponents that they met in the first round four years ago in Russia (France 2 – Australia 1, June 16th, 2018, photo above).