France World Cup 2026

France enter the 2026 World Cup with arguably the most talent-rich squad in the tournament, seeking redemption after their heartbreaking penalty shootout defeat in the 2022 final against Argentina. Under Didier Deschamps — set to step aside after this tournament, with Zinedine Zidane widely tipped to succeed him — Les Bleus possess extraordinary depth in every position. Kylian Mbappé, now at Real Madrid, remains the talisman and one of football's most devastating attackers, while Aurélien Tchouaméni and Eduardo Camavinga anchor a world-class midfield and William Saliba has become one of the planet's elite defenders. With the legacy of 1998 and 2018 behind them, France are genuine contenders for a third star.

France cruised through UEFA qualifying Group D to seal qualification in November 2025. Drawn into Group I with Senegal, Norway and Iraq, they are overwhelming group favourites and among the tournament's leading title contenders as they chase a third World Cup.

Didier Deschamps favours a flexible, balanced 4-2-3-1 that can dominate possession or sit and counter with equal menace. Kylian Mbappé is the devastating spearhead, Ousmane Dembélé and Bradley Barcola supply pace and width, and William Saliba anchors an elite defence. Adaptability, depth and tournament experience make France formidable.

France have won the World Cup twice (1998 as hosts, 2018 in Russia) and been runners-up in 2006 and 2022. They also reached semi-finals in 1958, 1982 and 1986. The 1998 triumph was a watershed moment, with Zinedine Zidane scoring twice in the final against Brazil. Their 2022 final defeat to Argentina on penalties was agonising, fuelling a powerful desire to reclaim the throne.

France have reached four of the last seven World Cup finals (1998, 2006, 2018 and 2022) — a level of sustained World Cup success matched by very few nations in the modern era.