France at the 2026 World Cup: Team Guide

France arrive at the 2026 World Cup as one of the tournament's most fearsome contenders, a side that has reached the final in two of the last three editions. Les Bleus have set the standard for elite tournament football, and in 2026 they aim to reclaim the trophy they so narrowly missed last time. The first 48-team World Cup, co-hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico, opens on June 11 at the Estadio Azteca and ends with the final on July 19 at MetLife Stadium, giving France a grand stage to chase a third star.

A modern football powerhouse

France's World Cup pedigree is exceptional. Two titles, in 1998 on home soil and again in 2018 in Russia, place them among the game's elite, while a heartbreaking final defeat on penalties in 2022 underlined their remarkable consistency. Few nations have sustained such a high level across multiple generations of players.

The 1998 triumph, inspired by Zinedine Zidane, ushered in a golden era, and the 2018 victory confirmed France as the dominant force of the modern game. Reaching three of the last seven finals is a record that speaks to a deep, well-run footballing nation.

Recent form and strength in depth

France's greatest asset is their extraordinary depth. The talent pool is so rich that world-class players regularly miss out on selection, a luxury few rivals can match. Their qualifying campaign through the European section showcased that quality, with Les Bleus rarely troubled on their way to securing a place.

The team combines pace, power and technical excellence, with the ability to win matches in multiple ways. Whether grinding out tight games or overwhelming opponents with attacking flair, France have proven they can adapt. Keep up with their full fixture list and results on our fixtures page as the tournament progresses.

Key players to watch

At the centre of everything is Kylian Mbappe, one of the finest forwards of his generation and a player who thrives on the World Cup stage. His scintillating performances in recent tournaments, including a hat-trick in the 2022 final, mark him out as a genuine match-winner capable of deciding any game.

Around him, France boast quality throughout. Aurelien Tchouameni anchors the midfield with composure and physicality, while Antoine Griezmann offers experience, creativity and tireless work. The defensive unit is built on pace and resilience, giving France a balanced platform. Browse full player profiles and squad news on our teams hub.

A wealth of options

The final 26-man squad will be confirmed nearer to kickoff, but France's selection headaches are the envy of every other coach. Emerging stars and established internationals compete fiercely for places, ensuring the team remains fresh and dangerous in every department.

Qualification and what to expect

France qualified with the assurance of a leading nation and sit firmly among the world's top sides, as reflected on our FIFA ranking page. The 2026 format features 12 groups of four, with the top two and the eight best third-placed teams advancing to a 32-team knockout bracket. France will be heavily favoured to top their group and build momentum toward another deep run.

With the depth to manage an expanded schedule and the experience of recent finals, France are among the clear favourites. Their biggest challenge may simply be maintaining focus and avoiding complacency against the wider field of 48 teams.

What to expect this summer

Expect France to be ruthless, balanced and supremely confident. Their blend of devastating attacking talent and tournament know-how makes them a nightmare for opponents. Backed by a proud footballing nation, Les Bleus will fancy their chances of going all the way and securing a place in history as one of the great modern sides.

Follow Les Bleus live

From the opening group games to the closing stages, our live scores keep you on top of every France goal, card and result in real time. For deeper analysis, squad updates and player form, bookmark our teams section and follow Les Bleus throughout the tournament. France's pursuit of a third World Cup is one of 2026's biggest stories, and you can experience every moment with us. Stay tuned and enjoy the journey.