Where to Watch France in the 2026 FIFA World Cup: Next Match, Kick-Off Time, TV Channels, and Streaming Options
The first group stage game for France at the 2026 FIFA World Cup will see them face off against Senegal. This match is set to take place at the iconic MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey. Since this marks the tournament opener for Les Bleus and features two strong football nations, it will be available on various free-to-air and premium platforms.
How to Watch France’s Matches Live
In France, the broadcast rights for the World Cup have shifted significantly. After nearly five decades, TF1 will not show any matches. Instead, the rights are divided between a new free-to-air channel and a premium subscription network.
Free-to-Air Broadcast
- M6 has won exclusive free-to-air rights, airing 54 games live, including all of France’s matches, the semifinals, and the final.
- Viewers can also stream these games for free on the M6+ digital app, ideal for mobile or cord-cutters.
Premium Subscription Services
- beIN SPORTS will show all 104 matches live. While some games overlap with M6’s coverage, beIN SPORTS retains exclusive rights to 50 matches.
- Subscribers can access full multi-screen coverage, replays, and alternative camera views via beIN SPORTS CONNECT.
Streaming Options for Fans Outside France
Fubo is a popular choice for those wanting to follow France’s journey, especially in North America. It offers access to official broadcasters like FOX, FS1, Telemundo, and Universo depending on your location.
- For key fixtures, Fubo streams matches in 4K HDR quality.
- The platform supports cloud DVR so you can record games if they clash with your schedule.
- Multi-screen viewing lets you watch France’s match on one device while tracking other Group I games or stats on another.
- New users can try Fubo’s free trial as the tournament starts.
If traveling, note that Fubo’s service is geo-restricted. Using a premium VPN connected to your home country server might be necessary to access your usual channels.
France’s 2026 World Cup Campaign
After their memorable final appearance in Qatar 2022, where they narrowly lost to Argentina on penalties, France returns eager to reclaim their position at the top. The squad blends experienced leaders like captain Kylian Mbappé with young, dynamic talent.
Their qualification was convincing: five wins, one draw, no losses. Mbappé led the scoring with five goals, proving crucial in their campaign. Coach Didier Deschamps, with his long World Cup experience as player and manager, relies on a pragmatic system focused on solid defense and quick counterattacks.
Players such as Bradley Barcola, Ousmane Dembélé, and Michael Olise provide flair, but Deschamps wants a balance to avoid overdependence on individual moments when breaking down tough defenses expected in Group I.
Where Else Can You Watch the World Cup?
Worldwide broadcasters vary by country, including TSN and CTV in Canada, FOX and Telemundo in the United States, SBS in Australia, and many others. The tournament is accessible globally via multiple platforms, both free and subscription-based.
FAQs About France at the 2026 World Cup
- Which group is France in? Group I, alongside Senegal, Iraq, and Norway.
- When is France’s first match? June 16th against Senegal.
- Where is France’s team base camp? Salt Lake City, Utah.
- Who are key players? Captain Kylian Mbappé leads the attack, supported by Ousmane Dembélé, Michael Olise, and defender William Saliba.
- How many times has France qualified? Including 2026, 17 times.
- Which broadcasters have rights in France? Free-to-air games on M6; all matches live on beIN Sports.
