Has France Ever Won the World Cup? A Look at Their History and Achievements

France enters the 2026 World Cup aiming to claim their third star after falling short in the 2022 final, where they lost on penalties in Qatar. With a strong legacy and talented squad, Les Bleus remain one of the tournament favorites.

Historical Success and Appearances

Their World Cup journey began with the very first tournament in 1930. Since then, France has built an impressive record, boasting two World Cup titles from 1998 and 2018. These victories are symbolized by the two stars above their crest, representing triumphs separated by two decades and different generations of players.

The 2026 event marks France’s 17th World Cup appearance, tying them for sixth place in overall participations among nations. They were among just four European countries to attend the inaugural tournament in Uruguay.

Despite missing six editions, including a notable 12-year gap from 1982 to 1994, France’s performance has generally been strong, especially since the early 2000s.

Memorable Campaigns and Key Moments

Their first World Cup victory was on home soil in 1998. Under captain Didier Deschamps, France defeated Brazil 3-0 in the final, highlighted by two powerful headers from Zinedine Zidane.

Two decades later in Russia, Deschamps led the team again, this time as coach, to a 4-2 win over Croatia. A standout moment came from a 19-year-old Kylian Mbappe, who scored in the final and became only the second teenager after Pele in 1958 to do so.

Between these wins, France experienced heartbreak twice in finals, losing to Italy on penalties in 2006 and to Argentina on penalties in 2022. The latter match featured a hat trick by Mbappe that pushed the game into extra time before France ultimately fell short.

Overall World Cup Record

Beyond the finals, France reached the semifinals twice more, finishing third in both 1958 and 1986. Up to the current 2026 tournament and before their Round of 16 game against Paraguay, they have played 70 World Cup matches, winning 38, drawing 19, and losing 13.