On the night of June 25, a 1-1 draw against Austria saw France drop into a category with a number of big teams participating.

The French team only managed 1 point against Poland, its rival was definitively eliminated at Euro 2024. Robert Lewandowski’s late goal from a penalty caused France to lose first place in the group to Austria.

Taking only second place in Group D, France will be in the same group as Germany, Spain and Portugal. If both France and Portugal advance from the round of 16, these two teams will meet in the quarterfinals. Mbappé will have a reunion with the person who inspired him to play football throughout his career, Cristiano Ronaldo.

Branching and pairing for the round of 16 of EURO 2024. Photo: One Football.

If they beat Portugal, Mbappé and his teammates’ potential rivals in the semifinals will be Germany or Spain.

French media compared France’s draw against Poland to a defeat. Despite possessing the strongest force in the European Championship, finishing first in Group D and avoiding a series of strong opponents will also increase the chances of “Les Bleus” going far in this year’s tournament.

At dawn on June 26, EURO 2024 had decided two matches: Germany against Denmark and Switzerland against Italy.

England retained first place in Group C, so they did not have to face hosts Germany. However, manager Gareth Southgate and his team still face the risk of facing the Netherlands in the round of 16. If they advance to the round of 16, the “Three Lions” will face Switzerland or Italy.