France
Les Bleus
The 2018 champions and 2022 runners-up return with Kylian Mbappé leading a star-studded squad seeking redemption after their heartbreaking final loss to Argentina.
#2
FIFA Ranking
2
World Cup Titles
2018
Last Title
Group I
WC 2026 Group
Group I Match Schedule
Key Players to Watch
Kylian Mbappé
Forward
Real Madrid
Antoine Griezmann
Forward
Atletico Madrid
Aurélien Tchouaméni
Midfielder
Real Madrid
Eduardo Camavinga
Midfielder
Real Madrid
Mike Maignan
Goalkeeper
AC Milan
William Saliba
Defender
Arsenal
World Cup History
France World Cup 2026: Complete Guide to Les Bleus' Quest for Redemption
The France national football team (French: Équipe de France de football) enters the 2026 FIFA World Cup seeking redemption after the heartbreak of losing the 2022 final to Argentina on penalties. With two World Cup titles (1998, 2018) and a squad packed with elite talent, Les Bleus are among the favorites in North America.
2026 World Cup Prospects
France possess arguably the deepest squad in world football. Kylian Mbappé, now at Real Madrid, leads an attack capable of scoring against anyone. At 27, Mbappé will be at the absolute peak of his powers — already a World Cup winner (2018) and scorer of a hat-trick in the 2022 final.
The midfield talent is extraordinary, with Antoine Griezmann providing creativity, Aurélien Tchouaméni controlling the tempo, and emerging stars like Eduardo Camavinga and Warren Zaïre-Emery pushing for places. In defense, the experienced core of Ibrahima Konaté and William Saliba provides stability.
Group I Analysis
France has been drawn into Group I alongside Senegal, a UEFA playoff winner, and Norway. The fixtures promise excitement:
- Senegal — The African champions with pace and physicality. A rematch of memorable past encounters.
- Norway — Featuring Erling Haaland! The France vs Norway clash could be a Mbappé vs Haaland showdown for the ages.
Match Venues
France's group stage matches will showcase their quality at top American venues:
- Lincoln Financial Field (Philadelphia) — vs Senegal
- MetLife Stadium (New York/NJ) — vs Norway (Mbappé vs Haaland at the Final venue!)
Playing at MetLife Stadium will give France a taste of the venue where they hope to lift the trophy on July 19.
UEFA Rivals & Potential Clashes
Europe's elite nations all aim to stop France. Potential knockout stage opponents include:
- Spain — Euro 2024 champions with their brilliant young talents
- England — A potential semifinal clash with the Three Lions
- Germany — Always dangerous in major tournaments
- Portugal — Cristiano Ronaldo's final World Cup?
- Netherlands — Tactical battles with the Dutch
- Belgium — Their golden generation's last chance
World Cup History
France has won the World Cup twice — on home soil in 1998 with Zidane's brilliance, and in Russia 2018 with a young Mbappé emerging as a superstar. They also reached the 2006 and 2022 finals, making them one of the most consistent performers in World Cup history.
How to Buy France Tickets
France matches draw massive demand from their passionate fanbase. We compare prices from Ticketmaster, StubHub, Viagogo, and SeatGeek. Group stage tickets start from approximately $145, with premium prices for the France vs Norway clash featuring the Mbappé-Haaland showdown.