The host nation ensured they would get the chance to compete for a sixth world title as they held off a battling Slovenian side to progress to the showpiece event on Sunday (January 29).

Nedim Remili top-scored for France with six goals.

But it was team-mate Vincent Gerard took the best player of the match award.

Jure Dolonec was the pick of the Slovenian team, scoring five times, but his efforts proved to be in vain as his side were forced to settle for a place in the bronze medal match on Saturday (January 28).

France, who have now reached seven finals, will take on either 2003 champions Croatia or Norway for the World Championship crown.

They are due to contest the second semi-final tomorrow.

In front of a sell-out crowd at the iconic venue in the French capital, a candidate city for the 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games, the home side made a bright start and quickly opened up a 4-1 lead.

Ludovic Fabregas and Adrien Dipanda received two-minute suspensions, giving Slovenia a numerical advantage, but the French managed to keep their three-goal lead in tact until fast breaks from Gasper Marguc and Darko Cingesar closed the gap to 6-5.

France then edged 9-6 in front and they were able to keep their distance from the Slovenians, eventually extending their lead to 21-17 in the second half.

Luc Abalo and Remili scored just as the final quarter began helped establish a six-goal advantage for the hosts, who were 27-21 in front going into the last eight minutes.

France never looked like squandering such a healthy lead and comfortably saw out a well-earned victory to the delight of the raucous 15,000-strong crowd inside the Arena.