France's Road to the 2026 World Cup: Schedule, Squad, and Key Info

After winning the FIFA World Cup in 2018 and finishing as runners-up in 2022, France will enter the 2026 tournament as one of the leading contenders. Head coach Didier Deschamps continues to guide Les Bleus, aiming to reach a third consecutive World Cup final, this time in North America.

With superstar Kylian Mbappe spearheading the team, France boasts one of the most talented squads qualified by topping their group. Their main group opponents include Senegal, Norway, and the winner of the intercontinental playoff between Iraq and another team.

Group I Teams

• France
• Senegal
• Iraq (TBD)
• Norway

Match Schedule (ET)

• June 16, 3 p.m.: France vs. Senegal at MetLife Stadium, New York/New Jersey
• June 22, 5 p.m.: France vs. Iraq at Lincoln Financial Field, Philadelphia
• June 26, 3 p.m.: Norway vs. France at Gillette Stadium, Foxborough

Broadcast Information

In the United States, all matches will air on Fox with streaming available through services like Fubo, which offers a free trial. Other countries have their own broadcasters such as TSN and Amazon Prime in Canada, BBC and ITV in the UK, SBS in Australia, and Unite8 Sports in India.

France's Historical World Cup Performance

France has been a regular presence in the World Cup since 1998, winning the group stage in their last three tournaments. They have clinched the World Cup title twice (1998, 2018) and finished second twice (2006, 2022). Currently ranked No. 1 by FIFA as of April 2026, they come into the tournament with a strong legacy.

Team Overview for 2026

Kylian Mbappe remains the central figure, renowned for his record-breaking goals in World Cup finals and leadership. Supporting stars include Ousmane Dembele and rising talents like Michael Olise. The defense is packed with quality players like Jules Kounde, Ibrahima Konate, and William Saliba, while midfield options such as Aurelien Tchouameni add balance.

Predicted Starting Lineup (4-2-3-1 Formation)

• Goalkeeper: Maignan
• Defenders: Kounde, Konate, Saliba, Theo Hernandez
• Midfielders: Rabiot, Tchouameni
• Attacking Midfielders: Dembele, Olise, Mbappe
• Forward: Thuram

Strengths

• Deep roster with talent at nearly every position
• Strong defensive discipline limiting opponents' shots
• World-class attacking presence led by Mbappe

Weakness

• Heavy dependence on Mbappe's production to drive offense

Coaching and Leadership

Didier Deschamps, who captained France to their first World Cup win in 1998, has managed the national team since 2012. Under his guidance, France claimed the 2018 World Cup and the 2021 UEFA Nations League. His experience includes stints managing Monaco, Juventus, and Marseille.

"Deschamps is one of the few to win the World Cup both as a player and manager," said many analysts after 2018.

Qualifying and World Cup History

France secured its spot by winning UEFA Group D with a record of five wins, one draw, and no losses, finishing six points ahead of Ukraine. Historically, France has appeared 16 times in the World Cup, lifting the trophy twice and finishing as runners-up on two occasions.

2026 World Cup Betting Odds for France

• Group Stage Exit: +1400
• Round of 32: +450
• Round of 16: +350
• Quarterfinals: +350
• Semifinals: +400
• Final: +650
• Win the World Cup: +450