France players celebrate after defeating Australia in a group stage match during the 2022 World Cup at Al Janoub Stadium. Yukihito Taguchi-USA TODAY Sports

Can France repeat as World Cup champions?

By Chelena Goldman | Last updated 11/23/22

Just a couple of days into the 2022 edition of the FIFA World Cup, the list of favorite teams has definitely gotten a shakeup. Unsurprisingly, France has moved up the ranks significantly after defeating Australia handily on Tuesday, 4-1.

Has France emerged as the new favorite to win it all for a second World Cup in a row?

According to DraftKings, France is now tied with England at +650, second only to Brazil, who remain the +300 favorites. That's a nice little boost from being listed at +700 before the tournament started.

⚽ WORLD CUP | WINNER ODDS⚽

Tournament winner odds ahead of the #WorldCup in 4 days

Brazil (+400)
Argentina (+500)
France (+700)
Spain (+850)
England (+850)
Germany (+1000)

Who you got taking it?

odds per @DraftKings pic.twitter.com/jeovwFuDDO
— TheFirstMint (@TheFirstMint) November 16, 2022

While sportsbooks still listed Les Bleus as strong contenders in 2022, many betting experts recommended avoiding placing big money on France ahead of the tournament. Didier Deschamps's men already weren't favored to win back-to-back World Cups given it hasn't happened since Brazil in 1958 and 1962. Then, France was dealt a tough hand when superstar Karim Benzema left the team just days before the competition started because of an injury.

Now, after Tuesday's win over the Socceroos, many are changing their tune.

France still has to keep impressing in the group stages, however. Their next match is Saturday against Denmark, a team who beat the defending World Cup champions 2-0 in a Nations League match back in September.

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