Manager
Didier Deschamps. The former defensive midfielder had terrific success at Monaco, Marseille, and Juventus before turning his attention to international football.
He's been in the position since July 2012 and has enjoyed a profitable spell in charge of Les Bleus, although their defeat to Portugal in the Euro 2016 final was considered a major blot on his copybook.
Method Of Qualification
France finished top of European qualifying Group A, ahead of Sweden, although it wasn't all plain sailing. Deschamps' men were defeated in Stockholm and also drew a blank with Luxembourg, which is hugely concerning.
The 1998 winners created plenty of chances throughout their qualifying campaign but scored fewer goals than the Netherlands and Sweden, who both finished below them. Three wins from their last four games helped them cement their place at the tournament.
Star Player Of Qualifying
N'Golo Kante keeps things ticking over in midfield with the Chelsea man helping Les Bleus keep clean sheets during each of his three appearances in 2017.
Whilst he didn't play in every single game (injury kept him out), his presence made a huge difference, with his reading of the game and ability to break up play highly sought after on the international stage. Kante's work-rate helps ease the pressure on a creaky back-line.
Most Memorable World Cup Moment
France 98. The iconic side who lifted the trophy on their own patch will be forever remembered by French football fans.
They got off to the perfect start with maximum points in the group stage, averaging three goals per match, but they didn't have it all their own way in the knock-out rounds.
Extra time was required to see off a plucky Paraguay side whilst Laurent Blanc's decisive spot-kick sent them into the semi-finals at the expense of Italy.
A 2-1 success against Croatia was followed by Emmanuel Petit's breakaway goal in a memorable 3-0 win against Brazil in the final.
Predicted Finish
France are 7/20 to win Group C and they should stroll through to the knock-out rounds of World Cup 2018 but their lack of goals may not see them all the way to the final.
They're 13/20 to finish in the top four but getting past the quarterfinals may prove tough for Deschamps' occasionally inconsistent outfit.
Recommended Bet
The aforementioned 7/20 on France to top Group C is a short-price but it is hard to see them slipping up at that stage of the tournament.
Olivier Giroud may not be potent for Chelsea but he has a great record at international level and is worth an each-way shot at 40/1 to end as the competition's top goalscorer.
France (-2) on the handicap against Australia in their opening fixture is also worth a look at 7/5.
*Odds subject to change - correct at time of writing*
