World Cup Preview: France

France arrive at the 2026 FIFA World Cup among the leading favourites to lift the trophy. Having won the tournament in 2018 and reached the final in 2022, Les Bleus have established themselves as the benchmark for international consistency over the past decade. Blessed with exceptional depth across every position, expectations are once again sky-high as they pursue a third world title.

Fixtures (UK time)

Senegal, June 16, 8pm
Iraq, June 22, 10pm
Norway, June 26, 8pm

How They Qualified

France secured their place at the World Cup with another commanding UEFA qualifying campaign. Boasting one of the deepest talent pools in world football, Les Bleus comfortably navigated qualification and rarely looked troubled by their opponents. Their attacking firepower and defensive strength ensured progression was secured well before the conclusion of the group stage, extending France’s run of appearances at major international tournaments. They would have been disappointed that they dropped points in a 2-2 draw with Iceland.

The Manager

Didier Deschamps has already cemented his place among the greatest figures in French football history. As captain, he lifted the World Cup in 1998 before repeating the feat as manager in 2018, becoming only the third person to win the tournament as both a player and coach. The former midfielder also guided France to the 2022 World Cup Final and victory in the 2021 UEFA Nations League. After 14 years in charge, Deschamps is leaving the French set-up after the tournament.

The Star

Kylian Mbappe enters the tournament as one of the biggest stars in world football. The France captain announced himself to a global audience during the country’s 2018 World Cup triumph and enhanced his reputation further with a hat-trick in the 2022 final against Argentina. Having starred for Monaco, Paris Saint-Germain and Real Madrid, Mbappe has already amassed an extraordinary collection of honours and goals. At 27, the forward is just two goals away from breaking Olivier Giroud’s scoring record (57) and remains the player most capable of deciding matches single-handedly.

The Familiar Face

Lucas Digne will be a familiar name to Premier League supporters thanks to his years with Everton and Aston Villa. The left-back has been a consistent performer in English football since arriving from Barcelona in 2018 and remains a trusted member of the French squad. Digne is also the most experienced of the seven Premier League-based players selected by Deschamps for this tournament, entering the competition with 58 international caps.

Did you know?

France have reached four of the last seven World Cup finals. Only Germany, Brazil and Italy have appeared in more finals throughout the tournament’s history.

The Prediction

Final

France possess arguably the deepest squad in the tournament and have a manager who knows exactly how to navigate major international competitions. Mbappe remains one of the most decisive players in world football, while quality exists throughout the squad. Les Bleus should progress comfortably from Group I and are well equipped to handle the challenges of the knockout rounds. A place in the final looks a realistic expectation, although another meeting with a heavyweight such as Argentina, Spain or Brazil could determine whether they lift the trophy or fall just short once again.

Cover Photo: Flag of France, Undated” by nathanh100 is licensed under CC BY 2.0 .