After a last mixed international break, with a defeat (3-1) against Italy and a success (2-0) against Belgium, France faces Israel, the weakest opponent in the group, Thursday October 10 (8:45 p.m. ), in Budapest (Hungary). With three points behind Italy, victory is essential for the Blues if they want to hope for first place and qualification for the play-offs. The match against Israel is being played in a very tense geopolitical context.
• A relocated match. Due to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, the match must take place on neutral ground. Since the attacks of October 7, almost a year ago to the day, the Israeli team has played its matches in Hungary, an allied country. As in previous matches, the Bozsik Arena in Budapest was chosen to host the match.
• Without Antoine Griezmann nor Kylian Mbappé, a team without a leader. With the international retirement of Antoine Griezmann, the unavailability of Kylian Mbappé, the injury of N’Golo Kanté, and the absence of Adrien Rabiot, the French find themselves without a real leader in Hungary. Ousmane Dembélé will be the most capped player in the squad, with 51 caps.
• Israel, the group’s surprise guest. In a group made up of France, Italy and Belgium, Israel appears like Tom Thumb. The team qualified by finishing first in its group in League B. The Israeli squad is tending to get younger, notably with Oscar Gloukh (Red Bull Salzburg), presented as the future star of the Bleu et Blanc.