Doha, November 21 (QNA) - Title holders France start their campaign for a second straight World Cup trophy against Australia on Tuesday at Al Janoub Stadium in both sides' initial Group D match in the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022.

Les Blues (the Blues) are the clear favorites to win the game based on previous direct clashes, with France having defeated Australia 2-1 in their single World Cup encounter in group stage in Russia 2018.

Group D also include Denmark and Tunisia who will play also on Tuesday.

The Real Madrid striker Karim Benzema, who sustained a thigh injury in the team's training session on Saturday in Qatar, might be ruled out from the line-up for the Australia clash.

  Also, the likes of Paul Pogba, N'Golo Kante, Presnel Kimpembe and goalie Mike Maignan were left off France's World Cup list over injuries. (QNA)