Currently, France stands as a dominant force in international soccer.
The national team has claimed victory in two World Cups (1998, 2018) and two UEFA European Championships (1984, 2000), in addition to qualifying for the 2021 UEFA Nations League. France came close to another World Cup title but lost to Argentina in a penalty shootout in 2022.
The upcoming 2026 squad is packed with talent, spearheaded by Kylian Mbappé, who is often regarded as the world’s top player. Mbappé has made history by becoming the second player to score a hat-trick in a World Cup final, following England’s Geoff Hurst in 1966.
Here’s what you should know about the French national team.
Qualification Achievements:
France topped UEFA Group D, qualifying for the 2026 FIFA World Cup without needing to go through playoffs. They secured their place by defeating Ukraine 4-0, finishing first in their group.
World Cup Group Stage Schedule:
- June 16th: France vs Senegal — New York-New Jersey Stadium, East Rutherford, N.J. (3 p.m. ET)
- June 22nd: France vs. FIFA Playoff Winner 2 (Bolivia, Suriname, Iraq) — Philadelphia Stadium (5 p.m. ET)
- June 26th: Norway vs France — Boston Stadium, Foxboro, Massachusetts (3 p.m. ET)
Group I: France, Senegal, FIFA Playoffs 2, Norway | 2026 FIFA World Cup Draw
Group I for the 2026 FIFA World Cup will consist of France, Senegal, the winners of FIFA Playoffs 2, and Norway.
Historic World Cup Participation:
- 1930, 1934, 1938, 1954, 1958, 1966, 1978, 1982, 1986, 1998, 2002, 2006, 2010, 2014, 2018, 2022
What is France’s highest World Cup ranking?
Key Players for France at the World Cup:
Kylian Mbappé, recognized as France’s most prominent active player, is set to captain the team post-2022 World Cup. He achieved the Golden Boot with eight goals during the tournament, including a hat-trick in the final, and played a crucial role in France’s 2018 World Cup win. On the club front, he has several Ligue 1 titles with Paris Saint-Germain, multiple accolades as Ligue 1 Player of the Year, and a high-profile move to Real Madrid ahead of the 2024-25 season. He is only five goals away from surpassing Miroslav Klose (16) to become the all-time World Cup top scorer.
Ousmane Dembélé, a winger/forward with Paris Saint-Germain and a vital member of the national team, has had significant domestic and international success, contributing to PSG’s triumphs in the UEFA Champions League, Ligue 1, and Coupe de France, and winning the Ballon d’Or in 2025.
William Saliba, an Arsenal central defender, made his first-team debut in 2022 and has become a key player for the national team. He participated in the 2022 World Cup and Euro 2024, and was instrumental during Arsenal’s title challenge, earning a spot in the Premier League Team of the Season. Saliba has experience in the Champions League and is one of the most utilized defenders during the 2026 qualification phase.
Coaching the French National Team:
Didier Deschamps has been at the helm of the French team since 2012, making him one of the longest-serving managers in international football. He guided France to victory in the 2018 World Cup, led them to the final in 2022, and won the 2021 UEFA Nations League, becoming one of the few individuals to win the World Cup both as a player (1998) and a manager. Under his guidance, France has consistently advanced to the later stages of major tournaments and built one of the strongest player pools worldwide. Deschamps remains focused as the team gears up for the 2026 World Cup.
France’s All-Time Top Scorer:
- Olivier Giroud: 57 goals
- Various clubs: Grenoble, Istres, Tours, Montpellier, Arsenal, Chelsea, AC Milan, LAFC, Lille
- Mbappé is three goals away from becoming France’s all-time leading scorer.
France’s All-Time Cap Leader:
- Hugo Lloris: 145 caps
- Clubs: LAFC, Nice, Lyon, Tottenham
Nickname of the French Team:
Country Overview:
- Population: Approximately 66.7 million
- Capital: Paris
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The continued success of the French national team underscores their status in global soccer, combining young talent with seasoned players. For soccer fans, this means thrilling matches and the potential for historic achievements as they prepare for the next World Cup.
