France Counting on Rabiot to Play Starring World Cup Role

France's Adrien Rabiot celebrates after scoring his side's opening goal during the World Cup group D soccer match between France and Australia, at the Al Janoub Stadium in Al Wakrah, Qatar, on Nov. 22, 2022. Francisco Seco/AP Photo

DOHA, Qatar—France is counting on midfielder Adrien Rabiot to continue to deliver for the defending World Cup champions in their match against Denmark on Saturday.

Rabiot scored on a header and assisted on a second goal in France’s 4–1 opening match victory over Australia. It’s been a remarkable turnaround for a player previously exiled for more than two years from the national team.