The France national football team head to the WC 2026 in the United States, Mexico and Canada. Les Bleus have been drawn in Group I alongside Norway, Senegal and Iraq. Yes, France is a strong contender to win the WC 2026, currently ranked 1st in the world. With a blend of experienced stars and exceptional young talent, they possess the depth and quality to go. The competition kicks off on 11 June across 16 stadiums in three host nations.
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The Road to WC 2026: How France Qualified
France qualified for the WC 2026 through the UEFA Euro 2024 Group B, finishing in 1st with 22 points from their qualifying campaign (7W-1D-0L). Les Bleus scored 29 goals and conceded 3 during the qualifying phase.
France secured qualification for Euro 2024 by defeating the Netherlands 2-1 on October 13, 2023, with Kylian Mbappé scoring both goals.
This marks France's 17th WC appearance. The French Football Federation (Fédération française de football) has guided the squad through a competitive UEFA qualifying campaign.
France navigated UEFA qualifying with characteristic efficiency under Didier Deschamps, finishing top of their group with 29 goals scored and just 3 conceded. Les Bleus were particularly dominant at home. The blend of experienced campaigners and exciting young talents like Bradley Barcola and Warren Zaire-Emery gives France incredible depth across all positions.
For full details on the qualification standings and results, visit the Ligue 1 official website.
"This squad has the quality and determination to represent our country with pride at the tournament."
- Didier Claude Deschamps
Bet on France at the WC 2026
France - Latest WC 2026 Odds
| Market | Odds |
|---|---|
| Outright Winner | 6.00 |
| To Reach the Final | 3.75 |
| To Reach the Semi-Finals | 2.50 |
| To Reach the Quarter-Finals | 1.75 |
| To Win Group | 1.35 |
Top Scorer odds for France players: Kylian Mbappé (7.00), Ousmane Dembélé (20.00), Désiré Doué (50.00)
Odds snapshot: 3 June 2026 - Napoleon Sports. Odds subject to change. 21+. T&Cs apply.
France's Outright Odds to Win WC 2026
France enter the WC 2026 with outright odds of approximately 5/1 to win the tournament. Yes, France is a strong contender to win the WC 2026, currently ranked 1st in the world. With a blend of experienced stars and exceptional young talent, they possess the depth and quality to go all the way.
Outright winner market
France to Win WC 2026
5/1
Check latest odds →Odds subject to change. 21+. T&Cs apply.
Best Betting Markets and Predictions for France
Explore the full range of France betting markets for the tournament, including group winner, top scorer and match result. Use the Napoleon Sports sportsbook to build your own combinations with BetBuilder across all France group stage matches.
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Boost your returns on France's group matches
France are among the shortest-priced teams in the outright market and with good reason. Kylian Mbappe is the clear favourite for the Golden Boot after his hat-trick in the 2022 final. Antoine Griezmann's ability to deliver in major tournaments makes him a value selection in the assists market. Combination bets through the Napoleon Sports BetBuilder offer creative ways to back Les Bleus.
How Far Can France Go? Realistic Expectations
Yes, France is a strong contender to win the WC 2026, currently ranked 1st in the world. With a blend of experienced stars and exceptional young talent, they possess the depth and quality to go all the way. Other strong contenders in this tournament include England and Germany.
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France's Squad for WC 2026
France's final 26-man squad was announced by coach Didier Deschamps ahead of the tournament. Below is the full squad plus selected profiles on key players.
Goalkeepers
Defenders
Midfielders
Forwards
Goalkeepers
Samba
32 - Stade Rennais FC
Vastly experienced shot-stopper, the senior figure between the sticks. Currently at Stade Rennais FC, age 32.
Maignan
30 - AC Milan
Reliable goalkeeper in his prime, expected to start every WC 2026 match. Currently at AC Milan, age 30.
Risser
21 - RC Lens
Young keeper earning a chance on the biggest stage, future of the position. Currently at RC Lens, age 21.
Defenders
Digne
32 - Aston Villa FC
Defensive leader who has seen it all at international level, expected to organise the back line. Currently at Aston Villa FC, age 32.
Kounde
27 - FC Barcelona
Solid defender in his peak years, a regular starter for club and country. Currently at FC Barcelona, age 27.
Gusto
23 - Chelsea FC
Emerging defender pushing into the senior set-up, athletic and reading the game well. Currently at Chelsea FC, age 23.
Midfielders
Kante
35 - Fenerbahçe SK
Senior midfielder bringing tempo and game-management to the squad. Currently at Fenerbahçe SK, age 35.
Kone
25 - AS Roma
Box-to-box player in prime years, key to linking defence and attack. Currently at AS Roma, age 25.
Zaire-emery
20 - Paris Saint-Germain
Talented midfielder still rising, with the technical quality to influence games. Currently at Paris Saint-Germain, age 20.
Forwards
Dembele
29 - Paris Saint-Germain
Sharp forward in his best years, with the pace and movement to trouble any defence. Currently at Paris Saint-Germain, age 29.
Mbappe
27 - Real Madrid C. F.
Sharp forward in his best years, with the pace and movement to trouble any defence. Currently at Real Madrid C. F., age 27.
Doue
21 - Paris Saint-Germain
Rising star up front, blending speed with the confidence to take on the world's best. Currently at Paris Saint-Germain, age 21.
Last 5 Matches: France's Recent Form
| Date | Match | Result | Competition |
|---|---|---|---|
| March 29, 2026 | France vs. Colombia | 1-3 W | Friendly |
| March 26, 2026 | France vs. Brazil | 1-2 W | Friendly |
| November 16, 2025 | France vs. Azerbaijan | 1-3 W | European Qualifiers UEFA |
| November 13, 2025 | France vs. Ukraine | 4-0 W | European Qualifiers UEFA |
| October 13, 2025 | France vs. Iceland | 2-2 D | European Qualifiers UEFA |
France have won 4, drawn 1 and lost 0 of their last 5 matches heading into the tournament.
France in Group I: Schedule, Opponents and Stadiums
France have been drawn in Group I alongside Norway, Senegal and Iraq.
| Match | Date | Stadium | CEST | EEST | BRT |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| France vs. Senegal | Mon 16 Jun | the New York New Jersey Stadium, East Rutherford | 21:00 | 22:00 | 16:00 |
| France vs. Iraq | Sun 22 Jun | Philadelphia Stadium, Philadelphia | 23:00 | 00:00 | 18:00 |
| France vs. Norway | Thu 26 Jun | the Toronto Stadium, Toronto | 21:00 | 22:00 | 16:00 |
Group I should not present too many problems for France, though Iraq have shown they can compete at this level by qualifying for only their second the tournament. Norway will be physical and well-organised, while Senegal bring African flair and Premier League quality. France will target nine points from the group stage.
Head-to-Head: France vs. Group I Opponents
France vs. Norway: France and Norway have a long history in Scandinavian and European qualifying campaigns. Norway have occasionally been a tricky opponent for Les Bleus, but France's overall record is dominant. This will be a test of Norway's defensive organisation against France's formidable attack.
France vs. Senegal: Senegal stunned France 1-0 in the opening match of the 2002 the tournament, one of the biggest upsets in tournament history. Senegal's combination of physical power and technical quality makes them a dangerous group opponent. Both squads feature several players from the French Ligue 1.
France vs. Iraq: These teams have never met in competitive football. Iraq's qualification for only their second the tournament makes this a historic fixture. France will be heavy favourites but Iraq's defensive discipline under Graham Arnold could make this a tighter contest than expected.
France's Head Coach for WC 2026
Didier Claude Deschamps (French, born 1968) has been in charge of the France national team since July 8, 2012. Deschamps is known for a pragmatic and disciplined approach, focusing on strong defense and efficient counter-attacks.
Career highlights include: Won 1998 the tournament (as captain), Won Euro 2000 (as captain), Won 2018 World Cup (as coach), Won 2020-21 Nations League (as coach), Reached Euro 2016 final (as coach), Reached 2022 World Cup final (as coach)..
His record as national team coach stands at 89 wins, 28 draws and 22 losses.
Follow France's tournament journey and historical records on the UEFA Euro history tournament archive.
France's Official Kits for WC 2026
France's WC History and Records
France have appeared at 17 World Cups, with their first appearance in 1930. Their best finish is Winners (1998, 2018). They are 2-time world champions.
17
WC appearances
Winners (1998, 2018)
Best finish
1930
First appearance
France at the 2022 World Cup
Runners-up, lost 4-2 on penalties to Argentina in the final.
For complete historical statistics and squad data, see the Transfermarkt France profile page.
Memorable WC Moments for France
Winning their first the tournament title at home in 1998, defeating Brazil 3-0 in the final.
Just Fontaine's record 13 goals in the 1958 the tournament, where France finished third.
Read more about other teams at the WC 2026: Japan and Brazil.
France's football heritage is extraordinary. From Just Fontaine's 13 goals in 1958 to the multiracial triumph of 1998 and the tactical dominance of 2018, Les Bleus have been a consistent force at World Cups. The 2022 final against Argentina was perhaps the greatest match ever played, with Mbappe's stunning hat-trick securing his place among football's all-time greats despite the eventual defeat on penalties.
Frequently Asked Questions about France at the tournament
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