France secure landmark qualification to Euro 2024 knockout stages

France’s progression to the Euro 2024 knockout stages was confirmed on Monday, without Didier Deschamps’ side kicking a ball.

Les Bleus sit second in Group B – behind the Netherlands having scored a goal less – with four points from their opening two matches, ahead of facing Poland in Dortmund on Tuesday.

However, the two-time European champions will approach the game safe in the knowledge they are assured of a place in the last 16.

With Hungary and Croatia finishing third in Group A and Group B with three and two points respectively, even a defeat against Poland would see France advance as one of the four best third-placed teams.

Deschamps’ side are the only European nation to qualify from the group stage of all seven major international tournaments (World Cup and European Championship) since 2012.

7 – France are officially qualified for the round of 16 and are the only European side that have gone through the group stage of every EURO/World Cup since 2012 (7/7). Deschamps.#EURO2024 pic.twitter.com/RZv7b9d9vc

— OptaJean (@OptaJean) June 24, 2024