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1 June 2026

France enter the 2026 FIFA World Cup with confidence built on a strong record in recent tournaments. After lifting the trophy in 2018 and narrowly missing out in the 2022 final, Les Bleus arrive in North America as one of the favourites to go all the way once again.

Having triumphed in Russia in 2018 and fallen short only on penalties against Argentina in Qatar four years later, France remain among the elite contenders. Most bookmakers rank them just behind Spain, with expectations high that Didier Deschamps’ team will once again make a deep run.

Deschamps, a World Cup-winning coach, continues to lead a squad captained by superstar forward Kylian Mbappe. With a blend of experience, pedigree, and individual brilliance, the French side is confident of repeating past glories. If successful, they would become the first nation since Brazil (1994–2002) to reach three consecutive World Cup finals. Brazil won in 1994 and 2002, losing the 1998 final — to hosts France.

Goalkeepers: Mike Maignan, Robin Risser, Brice Samba

Defenders: Lucas Digne, Malo Gusto, Lucas Hernandez, Theo Hernandez, Ibrahima Konate, Maxence Lacroix, Jules Kounde, William Saliba, Dayot Upamecano

Midfielders: N'Golo Kante, Manu Kone, Adrien Rabiot, Aurelien Tchouameni, Warren Zaire-Emery

Forwards: Maghnes Akliouche, Bradley Barcola, Rayan Cherki, Ousmane Dembele, Desire Doue, Michael Olise, Kylian Mbappe, Jean-Philippe Mateta, Marcus Thuram

(all times BST)

France vs Senegal – 8pm, June 16 (MetLife Stadium)

France vs Iraq – 10pm, June 22 (Lincoln Financial Field)

Norway vs France – 8pm, June 26 (Gillette Stadium)

Deschamps has already guided France to two consecutive finals — winning one and losing the other — and will again rely on a core of players familiar with the pressures of world football’s biggest stage.

The squad looks settled and balanced, combining the experience of past campaigns with the hunger of new talents. Many players, including Mbappe and Ousmane Dembele, have enjoyed domestic and European success with Paris Saint-Germain. The depth of the team is such that several well-known names like Leny Yoro, Eli Junior Kroupi, and Eduardo Camavinga have missed out on selection.

Despite the expanded 48-team format, France’s group poses meaningful challenges. Norway, led by prolific striker Erling Haaland, have quality but limited major tournament experience. Senegal, who famously beat France in the 2002 World Cup, boast talents like Nicolas Jackson and Sadio Mane. If France progress smoothly through the group, their momentum will make them tough opponents for any side.

Kylian Mbappe remains the focal point of this French generation — a Real Madrid star, World Cup champion, and one of the most marketable figures in global football. Remarkably, France’s best player may not even be the reigning Ballon d’Or holder, as Ousmane Dembele’s brilliance has also drawn widespread acclaim.

Mbappe’s sheer individual talent can turn matches on its own. At 27, he is set to surpass 100 international caps during the tournament. In his 96 appearances so far, he has netted 56 goals, including a stunning hat-trick in the 2022 final. Eight years after bursting onto the scene as a 19-year-old in Russia, Mbappe now leads his nation in pursuit of a third World Cup title.

Odds to win the World Cup: 9/2