Overview
- France opened Group C with a 42-28 win over the Czech Republic to take control of their preliminary campaign.
- Les Bleus face Ukraine on Saturday at 18:00 in Oslo after Ukraine lost 39-22 to Norway in their opener.
- Qualification is possible this weekend with a victory over Ukraine and a favorable result in the Czech Republic–Norway match scheduled for 20:30.
- Coach Guillaume Gille is managing uncertainty over Aymeric Minne after a left thigh knock against the Czechs following Nedim Remili’s late withdrawal.
- If they progress, France will seek to collect points against Norway on Monday that will be carried into the main round in Denmark.