France v Poland, 04 December 2022

Kick-off: 6.00pm local (3.00pm GMT) . FIFA world ranking: France 4, Poland 26 . This was the first time that France had played a knockout stage game at a World Cup tournament as reigning champions. . France had become the first reigning champions to reach the knockout stages of a World Cup tournament since Brazil in 2006. . This was the sixth time that France had played in the Round of 16 since it was introduced in 1986. They progressed to the Quarter-final on the five previous occasions. . In his 117th appearance, Olivier Giroud became France’s goalscorer with 52 goals; previously Thierry Henry 51 goals in 123 games. . Aged 23 years and 349 days, Kylian Mbappé had now scored nine goals at World Cup finals (now five goals at this tournament). . With his 142nd appearance, Hugo Lloris joined Lilian Thuram as France’s all-time joint-most capped player. . Hugo Lloris also equalled Thierry Henry and Fabien Barthez as the players with the joint-most appearances at World Cup tournaments for France (17 each). . This was the first time that Poland had reached the knockout stage of the World Cup since 1986. They lost 4-0 against Brazil in the Round of 16 in Guadalajara. . France goalkeeper Steve Mandanda was the only player in either squad for this game who was born when Poland last played in the World Cup knockout stages (1986). . Poland failed in their attempt to reach the equivalent of the Quarter-final for a third time; previously 1974 and 1982 when the Semi-final was preceded by a second group phase. . This was the third time that Poland had faced the reigning champions at World Cup tournament; a 1-0 win against Brazil in Munich in 1974 (3rd place play-off) and a goalless draw with Germany in Buenos Aires in 1978 (group game). . Bartosz Bereszyński made his 50th appearance for Poland in this game. . France were now unbeaten in the last eight meetings since 1982 (won three); most recently a 1-0 win in a friendly played in Gdansk in June 2011. . This was the second meeting at the World Cup; previously Poland won the 3rd place play-off (3-2) at Alicante in 1982. It was their most recent knockout stage win at a World Cup tournament. .