The Rose Bowl provides the stage for a fascinating Group C opener as defending runner-up France takes on perennial underdog Costa Rica. While Les Bleus enter as overwhelming favorites, the Ticos have a history of defying expectations on the biggest stage—most memorably in 2014 when they topped a group containing Uruguay, Italy, and England. For France, anything less than three points would be a shock, but Costa Rica will see this as a chance to announce themselves once more.
All eyes will be on Kylian Mbappé, whose explosive pace and finishing ability make him the most dangerous player on the pitch. The French captain, likely entering his prime at 27, will be supported by the creative nous of Antoine Griezmann and the midfield engine of Aurélien Tchouaméni. For Costa Rica, much depends on veteran goalkeeper Keylor Navas—if he can replicate his heroics from a decade ago, the Ticos might stay competitive. Up front, Joel Campbell’s movement and set-piece threat offer occasional danger.
Tactically, France will control possession and look to stretch the Costa Rican defense with quick transitions. Didier Deschamps' side often shifts between a 4-3-3 and 4-2-3-1, with full-backs pushing high to overload the flanks. Costa Rica, under their pragmatic coach, will likely sit in a compact 5-4-1 block, inviting pressure before breaking with long balls to Campbell. The key battle will be whether France’s high line can handle counter-attacks and dead-ball situations—Costa Rica’s primary route to goal.
Victory here is crucial for France to set the tone in a group that may also feature tougher opposition. Dropping points would invite pressure and complicate their path to the knockout rounds. For Costa Rica, a draw would be a massive result, giving them a realistic shot at advancing. With the Rose Bowl’s vast pitch favoring speed, France should have the edge—but Costa Rica’s resilience cannot be underestimated.
Prediction: France 2–0 Costa Rica. Expect a controlled performance from Les Bleus, with Mbappé breaking through before the hour mark and a second goal arriving late against a tiring defense.