France's strong performance in the group stage has set them up for a potentially easier path in the quarter-finals, as they will avoid facing the top-ranked teams from other groups.
The Netherlands, Croatia, and Denmark each present unique challenges, but their recent performances suggest that France will be favored in any matchup.
The upcoming quarter-finals will not only determine France's path in the Nations League but also impact their schedule for World Cup qualifying, delaying their entry into that competition.
France is likely to advance past the quarter-finals, given their current form and the struggles of their potential opponents.
The draw could lead to a rematch with Denmark, which would be a highly anticipated match given their recent history.
If France progresses to the semi-finals, they will have a clearer path to potentially reclaiming the Nations League title.
The French football team is set to discover its opponent in the Nations League quarter-finals during a draw scheduled for November 22 in Nyon, Switzerland. Following their recent victory over Italy (3-1), France topped their group, securing a favorable position in the draw and avoiding other group winners like Germany, Spain, and Portugal. The three potential opponents for France are the Netherlands, Croatia, and Denmark, all of whom have faced the Blues in recent competitions.
The Netherlands, under coach Ronald Koeman, has struggled to find consistent results, managing only two wins in six Nations League matches. Their recent performance includes a disappointing exit from Euro 2024, where they were eliminated in the semi-finals by England. Despite having a strong squad, including captain Virgil van Dijk and key players like Frenkie de Jong, they are not seen as a formidable opponent for France.
Croatia, despite a strong showing in the 2022 World Cup and reaching the Nations League final in 2023, has faced challenges recently, including a disappointing Euro 2024 campaign. Their coach, Zlatko Dalic, remains optimistic about facing top teams like France, but the team is transitioning away from its golden generation, with veteran Luka Modric nearing the end of his career.
Denmark, currently in a rebuilding phase after failing to advance past the group stage in Euro 2024, has a mixed record against France. They have previously defeated the Blues in two Nations League matches in 2022, indicating that they could pose a challenge if drawn against France in the quarter-finals.
