France World Cup History
France have been the dominant force in world football for the past decade, winning the World Cup in 1998 on home soil — a 3-0 win over Brazil inspired by Zinedine Zidane — and again in 2018 in Russia with a 4-2 victory over Croatia, with a teenage Kylian Mbappe becoming only the second player after Pele to score in a World Cup final as a teenager.
The 2022 Qatar tournament was arguably France’s most impressive campaign. Mbappe scored eight goals — including a hat-trick in the final — and won the Golden Boot, but France fell to Argentina on penalties in one of the greatest World Cup finals ever staged. The nature of that defeat only fuels France’s desire to go one better in 2026.
France’s squad represents a remarkable blend of established stars and exciting young talent.
With Mbappe now at Real Madrid, Antoine Griezmann still contributing, and a deep midfield featuring world-class players from Europe’s biggest clubs, Les Bleus are among the bookmakers’ top favourites to lift the trophy in New Jersey on July 19, 2026.
France World Cup Group I — Opponents Analysis
Group: France, Senegal, Norway, Intercontinental Playoff 2 Winner
France’s Group I has been widely labelled the “Group of Death” of the 2026 World Cup — a mouth-watering set of fixtures that will produce world-class football. Senegal — one of Africa’s most dangerous sides — open France’s tournament in what is a rematch of the stunning 2002 World Cup game in which Senegal beat France 1-0 in a monumental upset; Sadio Mane and a talented generation of Senegalese players will be desperate to repeat that historic result, making this the standout opener of the entire group stage.
Norway — featuring Erling Haaland, the most prolific striker on the planet — are making their first World Cup since France 1998 and will be one of the tournament’s most formidable dark horses; Haaland vs the French defence is one of the most anticipated individual battles of the tournament.
The Intercontinental Playoff 2 winner (from Bolivia, Suriname, or Iraq) represents the most manageable match for France, though Didier Deschamps or his successor will ensure Les Bleus take nothing for granted. This group will require France at their absolute best.
2026 France World Cup Tickets and Schedule
June 16, 2026 France vs Senegal MetLife Stadium, East Rutherford, NJ 3:00 PM
June 22, 2026 France vs Intercontinental PO2 Winner Lincoln Financial Field, Philadelphia, PA 5:00 PM
June 26, 2026 Norway vs France Gillette Stadium, Boston, MA 3:00 PM
France Star Players to Watch
| Player | Club | Position | Why They Matter |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kylian Mbappe | Real Madrid | Forward | 2022 Golden Boot and final hat-trick. Arguably the best player on the planet |
| Antoine Griezmann | TBC | Forward | World Cup winner and master of key moments and crucial set pieces |
| Aurelien Tchouameni | Real Madrid | Midfielder | Powerful defensive midfield anchor for both Real Madrid and France |
| Eduardo Camavinga | Real Madrid | Midfielder | Dynamic box-to-box midfielder who won the Champions League |
| Marcus Thuram | Inter Milan | Forward | Powerful, versatile forward who thrives in high-pressure tournament games |
| William Saliba | Arsenal | Defender | One of world football’s best young centre-backs — commanding and composed |
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