UEFA · Group I
France at FIFA World Cup 2026
France qualified for the FIFA World Cup 2026, the first 48-team edition, hosted across the United States, Canada, and Mexico from June 11 to July 19, 2026.
Group I opponents
France plays the following three teams in the group stage. Top 2 advance to the Round of 32; the 3rd-placed team can still advance via the best-3rd-placed playoff route (8 of 12 third-placed teams qualify).
France fixtures
France in the tournament
France arrives at the 2026 World Cup ranked #3 in the FIFA World Ranking with a tournament strength rating of 93/100. UEFA (Europe) sends 16 teams to the 2026 expanded tournament, the largest single-confederation allocation.
The 48-team format puts France in Group I with Senegal, Iraq, Norway. On FIFA ranking alone, the group averages #29, with France the top-ranked side. Top 2 advance automatically; the best 3rd-placed teams (8 of 12) also qualify for the Round of 32.
France squad for World Cup 2026
Announced May 29, 2026 · 26 players · Head coach: Didier Deschamps
Didier Deschamps' final World Cup as France coach. Kylian Mbappé (Real Madrid) at his third tournament; PSG's European-champion midfield core of Désiré Doué, Vitinha's opposite numbers Warren Zaïre-Emery and Bradley Barcola; Real Madrid trio of Mbappé, Tchouaméni, and Camavinga. Title-or-bust expectations.
Goalkeepers3
- Mike Maignan(AC Milan)
- Robin Risser(Lens)
- Brice Samba(Rennes)
Defenders9
- Lucas Digne(Aston Villa)
- Malo Gusto(Chelsea)
- Lucas Hernández(Paris Saint-Germain)
- Theo Hernández(Al Hilal)
- Ibrahima Konaté(Liverpool)
- Jules Koundé(Barcelona)
- Maxence Lacroix(Crystal Palace)
- William Saliba(Arsenal)
- Dayot Upamecano(Bayern Munich)
Midfielders5
- N'Golo Kanté(Fenerbahçe)
- Manu Koné(AS Roma)
- Adrien Rabiot(AC Milan)
- Aurélien Tchouaméni(Real Madrid)
- Warren Zaïre-Emery(Paris Saint-Germain)
Forwards9
- Maghnes Akliouche(AS Monaco)
- Bradley Barcola(Paris Saint-Germain)
- Rayan Cherki(Manchester City)
- Ousmane Dembélé(Paris Saint-Germain)
- Désiré Doué(Paris Saint-Germain)
- Jean-Philippe Mateta(Crystal Palace)
- Kylian MbappéCaptain(Real Madrid)Third World Cup; France's talisman and captain
- Michael Olise(Bayern Munich)
- Marcus Thuram(Inter Milan)
Sources: Sky Sports. Squads may change due to injury or disciplinary action before the tournament.
France analysis
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- AnalysisFrance Squad Prediction for World Cup 2026Mbappé as captain. Tchouaméni and Camavinga in midfield. Saliba and Konaté at center-back. The predicted 26-man squad for France's title bid.
- AnalysisBrazil World Cup 2026 ChancesCarlo Ancelotti has six months to turn Brazil from talented underachievers into champions. The squad is there. The bracket is fair. The pressure is enormous.
Frequently asked questions about France
When does France play at the FIFA World Cup 2026?
France plays 3 scheduled group-stage matches starting June 16, 2026. The opener is against SEN. See the full fixtures list below for every kickoff time and venue.
What group is France in at the World Cup 2026?
France is in Group I alongside Senegal, Iraq, Norway. The top two from each group advance to the Round of 32, plus the 8 best 3rd-placed teams across all 12 groups.
What is France's FIFA ranking?
France entered the FIFA World Cup 2026 ranked #3 in the FIFA World Ranking. This places them in the top 10 globally. Rankings update through the qualification cycle.
Can France win the World Cup 2026?
France's pre-tournament strength rating is 93/100, derived from FIFA ranking, recent form, and squad depth. They are among the title favourites alongside the other top-strength sides. Try them in the bracket predictor to test your scenario.