France at the FIFA World Cup 2026

History

France is a two-time FIFA World Cup champion, lifting the trophy in 1998 on home soil and again in 2018 in Russia. The 1998 triumph, led by Zinedine Zidane and coached by Aime Jacquet, announced France as a dominant force in world football. The 2018 victory in Moscow under Didier Deschamps made France only the third nation to win the tournament as both player and coach for the same manager. Beyond their two titles, France reached the final in 2006, losing on penalties to Italy, and were runners-up in 1982 after a third-place finish. The 2026 tournament is their 16th World Cup appearance.

Qualification

France qualified for the 2026 FIFA World Cup as winners of UEFA qualifying Group D. Their group consisted of France, Ukraine, Iceland, and Azerbaijan. France dominated the campaign with an unbeaten run, finishing top with 16 points. A 4-0 victory over Ukraine, in which Kylian Mbappe scored twice, was among the highlights. Deschamps confirmed this would be his final tournament as head coach after more than 13 years in charge, with his contract ending after the World Cup.

Preparation

France topped Group I unbeaten, then swept the round of 32 (3-0 v Sweden), round of 16 (1-0 v Paraguay, Mbappe penalty) and quarterfinal (2-0 v Morocco, Mbappe and Dembele) to reach a third straight semifinal. There, Spain ended their run 2-0 on July 14 (Oyarzabal penalty, Porro), France's first defeat of the tournament; Deschamps said his side were 'one level below' technically. William Saliba went off after 30 minutes of that match with a back injury (Lacroix replaced him) and his fitness for the July 18 third-place playoff against England at Miami's Hard Rock Stadium is unclear pending assessment. All other outfield players remain fit.

Latest news

France face England in World Cup third-place playoff on July 18 in Miami

· matches

Following their semifinal elimination, France play England in the official third-place match on Saturday July 18 at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami, kick-off 5 p.m. ET. William Saliba faces a race to be fit after going off injured against Spain.

Saliba forced off with apparent back injury in semifinal defeat to Spain

· injuries

William Saliba was substituted after 30 minutes of the semifinal against Spain, pulling up with a back injury while carrying the ball and telling teammates 'my back is gone'. Maxence Lacroix replaced him. Reports from L'Equipe suggest surgery may be required; his status for the July 18 third-place playoff is unclear and he is expected to be assessed once back in London.

Spain beat France 2-0 to reach the World Cup final, ending Les Bleus' run in the semifinal

· matches

Mikel Oyarzabal (22', penalty) and Pedro Porro (58') scored as Spain beat France 2-0 in Arlington to reach the final. It was France's first defeat of the tournament and their worst knockout-stage margin since 1986; Spain's defence held Mbappe, Dembele, Olise and Doue to just 0.30 xG. Deschamps said France were 'one level below' Spain technically.

Mbappe and Dembele send France past Morocco 2-0 into the World Cup semifinal

· matches

France beat Morocco 2-0 at Gillette Stadium (Foxborough) to reach a third straight World Cup semifinal. Mbappe had a first-half penalty saved but curled in his eighth goal of the tournament on 60 minutes, then set up Ousmane Dembele's clinching goal in the 66th. France dominated with 3.04 xG to Morocco's 0.14.

Mbappe penalty edges France past Paraguay 1-0 to reach the World Cup quarterfinal

· matches

France beat Paraguay 1-0 in Philadelphia's round of 16 tie, sweltering conditions around 38C. Mbappe converted a 70th-minute penalty after Diego Gomez's challenge on Desire Doue, confirmed by VAR, for his seventh goal of the tournament, level with Messi in the Golden Boot race. France next faced Morocco in the quarterfinal.

Mbappe brace and Barcola goal send France past Sweden 3-0 into the round of 16

· matches

France beat Sweden 3-0 in East Rutherford in the round of 32. Mbappe finished from a short corner just before half-time and added a second late on, taking his tally to 18 World Cup goals overall (six this tournament, level with Messi). Bradley Barcola doubled the lead early in the second half, finishing a through ball from Michael Olise. Sweden suffered their earliest World Cup exit since 1990.

Deschamps rejoins France camp in Boston after attending mother's funeral

· coach

Didier Deschamps rejoined the French national team in Boston on June 27, one day after France's 4-1 win over Norway. He had returned to France to attend his mother's funeral, missing the Norway match. The FFF confirmed his return, with Deschamps expected to resume full duties and oversee training ahead of the June 30 Round of 32 tie against Sweden.

France confirmed to face Sweden in Round of 32 on June 30 at MetLife Stadium

· matches

As Group I winners with a perfect nine points from three games, France will face Sweden in the Round of 32 on June 30 at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey. Sweden finished third in Group F. Kick-off is 5 p.m. ET. Deschamps is expected to return to the dugout having missed the Norway match.

Saliba rested for Norway with persistent back problem; Lacroix deputizes as France take precaution

· injuries

William Saliba was left out of France's starting XI against Norway as a precautionary measure to protect his persistent back problem. Maxence Lacroix replaced him at centre-back alongside Upamecano. Saliba had admitted gritting his teeth through back niggles for months. The injury is not believed to be serious and he is expected to return for the knockout stages.

Dembele hat-trick fires France past Norway 4-1 to top Group I with perfect record

· matches

France finished the group stage unbeaten, beating Norway 4-1 in Foxborough. Ousmane Dembele, fed by Mbappe, scored a first-half hat-trick (7', 20', 32'), the second-fastest in World Cup history. Thelo Aasgaard pulled one back for Norway (23'); Desire Doue added a late header. Norway's Strand Larsen missed a second-half penalty, saved by Maignan. Assistant Stephan led France in Deschamps' absence.

Deschamps to miss Norway match after death of his mother; assistant Stephan takes charge

· coach

Didier Deschamps will not be on the touchline for the Group I finale against Norway on June 26, after learning of his mother's death. He returned to France for her funeral. Assistant coach Guy Stephan takes charge for the Norway match. The FFF stated: 'At this incredibly painful time, we wish the head coach great strength and assure him of everyone's support.'

France have no fresh injury concerns ahead of Norway; Saliba and Upamecano both played vs Iraq

· injuries

France report no new injury disruptions after the 3-0 win over Iraq on June 22. William Saliba and Dayot Upamecano, who had missed full training on June 19, both appeared in the match. Theo Hernandez continued at left back throughout the group stage and is expected to do so against Norway. France's squad is fully available for the June 26 group finale.

Mbappe brace on 100th cap powers France past Iraq 3-0 despite two-hour storm delay

· matches

France beat Iraq 3-0 in Philadelphia to clinch knockout qualification with 6 points. Mbappe (14', 54') and Dembele (66', assist Olise) scored. A thunderstorm forced a two-hour halt at half-time. Mbappe's brace was on his 100th cap and took his World Cup tally to 16 goals, equalling Klose for second all-time. France face Norway on June 26 for Group I top spot.

Mbappe double breaks France scoring record as Les Bleus beat Senegal 3-1 in World Cup opener

· matches

France beat Senegal 3-1 at MetLife Stadium to open Group I. Mbappe scored in the 60th and 90+2 minutes, Barcola added a third in the 79th; Mbaye pulled one back in the 83rd. Mbappe's brace took him to 58 international goals, surpassing Giroud as France's all-time top scorer, and to 14 World Cup goals. Olise shifted infield to unlock the second half.

Mbappe becomes France's all-time top scorer with 58 goals, surpassing Giroud

· squad

Kylian Mbappe's second goal against Senegal on June 16 took him to 58 international goals for France, moving him past Olivier Giroud's record of 57. His World Cup tally of 14 goals also equals Gerd Muller for third all-time in World Cup history. Mbappe said: 'I'm very happy to be able to write a bit more the history of my country.'

Pogba says 2026 France squad is better than the 2018 World Cup winners

· general

Former France international Paul Pogba, speaking exclusively to ESPN on June 12, said the 2026 France squad surpasses the 2018 championship team in terms of individual talent. 'For me, as players - talent and everything - I think they're better than us,' said Pogba. He also told L'Equipe: 'It might be the strongest team since 2006.' He acknowledged the team faces extra pressure as favourites.

France arrive in Boston, check in to Four Seasons and begin World Cup preparations at Bentley University

· general

France landed at Logan Airport on June 10 and checked into the Four Seasons Hotel on Boylston Street. Mbappe signed autographs for hundreds of waiting fans. The squad will train behind closed doors at Bentley University in Waltham. FFF president Philippe Diallo and Boston Mayor Michelle Wu welcomed the delegation.

Saliba passed fit, starts against Northern Ireland as Deschamps says all 26 available

· injuries

William Saliba was passed fit for France's World Cup bid and started the June 8 friendly against Northern Ireland in Lille. Deschamps told Telefoot beforehand that "all 26 players will be available," with medical staff still managing his back issue. Saliba, who had only trained twice since arriving, reported much-reduced pain and was expected to travel to the United States with the squad.

Olise hat-trick sees France beat Northern Ireland 3-1 in final World Cup warm-up

· matches

France signed off before the World Cup with a 3-1 win over Northern Ireland on June 8 at the Stade Pierre-Mauroy in Lille, their final pre-tournament friendly. Michael Olise scored a hat-trick (43', 49' and a 75th-minute curling strike), either side of Patrick Kelly's 64th-minute reply for a youthful Northern Ireland side. Ousmane Dembele returned after being rested against Ivory Coast.

Saliba set to miss Northern Ireland friendly too as France manage his back injury

· injuries

Ahead of the June 8 friendly against Northern Ireland in Lille, William Saliba was reported unavailable as France manage the back injury he aggravated playing the full Champions League final for Arsenal. Surgery was floated, likely after the tournament, while France's preparations are geared towards having him fit for the World Cup opener. He had already sat out the June 4 Ivory Coast defeat.

Ivory Coast stun much-changed France 2-1 in World Cup warm-up in Nantes

· matches

France lost 1-2 to Ivory Coast in a friendly in Nantes on June 4. Rayan Cherki put a much-changed France ahead before half-time, but Guela Doue (53') levelled and Amad Diallo (84') sealed Ivory Coast's first win over Les Bleus. Deschamps, who rested PSG's Champions League winners and made five half-time changes, called it a wake-up call and 'a reminder not to think we're better than we are.'

Deschamps says Saliba was ready to play but rests him for Ivory Coast; Mbappe in great shape

· injuries

Deschamps confirmed William Saliba would sit out the June 4 Ivory Coast friendly as a precaution, saying "If he had had to play tomorrow, he would have played. He was ready to play." Saliba, recovering from his Champions League final back injury, could feature against Northern Ireland on June 8. Deschamps also said Kylian Mbappe is in great shape physically and mentally for his third World Cup.

PSG's Champions League winners and Saliba complete France's Clairefontaine camp

· squad

PSG's France internationals Ousmane Dembele, Lucas Hernandez, Warren Zaire-Emery, Desire Doue and Bradley Barcola joined the squad at Clairefontaine after winning the Champions League against Arsenal, with Arsenal's William Saliba also reporting. Their late arrival brought Deschamps' 26-man group to full strength for the final pre-tournament phase.

Saliba a World Cup doubt after back injury in Champions League final, but Deschamps plays it down

· injuries

William Saliba aggravated a back problem during Arsenal's Champions League final defeat to PSG and was reported on 1 June as a World Cup doubt, with some outlets suggesting several weeks out. He still joined France's camp at Clairefontaine; his tests were less worrying than first feared and Deschamps said "He's here, everything is fine." His fitness is being monitored.

Conference League winners Mateta and Lacroix report to France camp

· squad

Crystal Palace pair Jean-Philippe Mateta and Maxence Lacroix joined France's training camp at Clairefontaine on 30 May, days after winning the UEFA Conference League final 1-0 against Rayo Vallecano in Leipzig on 27 May, a match decided by Mateta's goal.

Squad

PlayerPositionClub
Mike MaignanGKAC Milan
Brice SambaGKStade Rennais
Robin RisserGKRC Lens
Lucas DigneDFAston Villa
Malo GustoDFChelsea
Lucas HernándezDFParis Saint-Germain
Théo HernándezDFAl-Hilal
Ibrahima KonatéDFLiverpool
Jules KoundéDFFC Barcelona
Maxence LacroixDFCrystal Palace
William SalibaDFArsenal
Dayot UpamecanoDFBayern Munich
N'Golo KantéMFFenerbahçe
Manu KonéMFAS Roma
Adrien RabiotMFAC Milan
Aurélien TchouaméniMFReal Madrid
Warren Zaïre-EmeryMFParis Saint-Germain
Maghnes AklioucheFWAS Monaco
Bradley BarcolaFWParis Saint-Germain
Rayan CherkiFWManchester City
Ousmane DembéléFWParis Saint-Germain
Désiré DouéFWParis Saint-Germain
Jean-Philippe MatetaFWCrystal Palace
Kylian MbappéFWReal Madrid
Michael OliseFWBayern Munich
Marcus ThuramFWInter Milan

Recent results

  • 2024-03-23 — FRA 0-2 GER (friendly)
  • 2024-03-26 — FRA 3-2 CHI (friendly)
  • 2024-06-05 — FRA 3-0 LUX (friendly)
  • 2024-06-09 — FRA 0-0 CAN (friendly)
  • 2025-09-05 — UKR 0-2 FRA (qualification)
  • 2025-09-09 — FRA 2-1 ISL (qualification)
  • 2025-10-10 — FRA 3-0 AZE (qualification)
  • 2025-10-13 — ISL 2-2 FRA (qualification)
  • 2025-11-13 — FRA 4-0 UKR (qualification)
  • 2025-11-16 — AZE 1-3 FRA (qualification)
  • 2026-03-26 — BRA 1-2 FRA (friendly)
  • 2026-03-29 — COL 1-3 FRA (friendly)
  • 2026-06-04 — FRA 1-2 CIV (friendly)
  • 2026-06-08 — FRA 3-1 NIR (friendly)
  • 2026-06-16 — FRA 3-1 SEN (group)
  • 2026-06-22 — FRA 3-0 IRQ (group)
  • 2026-06-26 — NOR 1-4 FRA (group)
  • 2026-06-30 — FRA 3-0 SWE (round_of_32)
  • 2026-07-04 — PAR 0-1 FRA (round_of_16)
  • 2026-07-09 — FRA 2-0 MAR (quarter_final)
  • 2026-07-14 — FRA 0-2 ESP (semi_final)

View Group I →