France players during a training session. (AFP)
Doha, Qatar: As the 2026 FIFA World Cup gets underway, two-time world champions France are heading to the tournament with high expectations. The Les Bleus have built a reputation for consistently competing at the highest level and once again arrive as one of the favourites to lift football’s biggest prize.
With a squad packed with world-class talent, an experienced coach in his final tournament, and memories of recent World Cup glory still fresh, France enter North America with one clear objective: bringing the trophy back to Paris.
The nation’s golden moments in the tournament came on home soil in 1998. Inspired by Zinedine Zidane, France defeated Brazil 3-0 in the final at the Stade de France to lift the World Cup for the first time. Twenty years later, another generation of stars led by Kylian Mbappe captured a second title in Russia, defeating Croatia 4-2 in the 2018 final.
France came agonisingly close to adding a third crown in 2022, producing one of the greatest World Cup final performances ever before losing to Argentina on penalties after an unforgettable 3-3 draw.
Overall, France boast two World Cup titles, two runner-up finishes, and two consecutive finals in the last two editions, making Les Bleus one of the most successful football nations of the modern era.
This year’s France squad looks exceptionally strong, with many of its players arriving after outstanding seasons at club level and eager to carry that form onto football’s biggest stage. Leading the charge is captain Kylian Mbappe. Already a World Cup winner and one of the tournament’s most prolific scorers. As he prepares for his third World Cup appearance, the French superstar will be aiming to further cement his place among the competition’s all-time greats.
Alongside him is Ballon d’Or winner Ousmane Dembele, whose creativity and unpredictability provide France with another devastating attacking weapon. Emerging talents such as Michael Olise, Desire Doue and Rayan Cherki have added freshness and flair to an already formidable squad. Olise recently strengthened his case for a starting role with a hat-trick in France’s 3-1 World Cup warm-up victory over Northern Ireland.
In midfield, the energetic Warren Zaire-Emery represents the next generation, while the experience of N’Golo Kante provides balance and composure. At the back, William Saliba and Dayot Upamecano could form one of the strongest defensive partnerships in the tournament.
This World Cup carries additional significance for head coach Didier Deschamps.
A World Cup-winning captain in 1998 and a World Cup-winning coach in 2018, Deschamps has confirmed that this tournament will be his last in charge of France. His tenure has delivered remarkable consistency, including the 2018 triumph and a runner-up finish in 2022. Few managers in international football history can match such a record.
Despite concerns over the relative inexperience of some of his younger players, Deschamps remains confident in the talent at his disposal. The France manager acknowledged that the squad lacks the experience of previous generations but insisted there is no shortage of quality.
“In terms of individual talent, there's a lot of firepower and I've got plenty of options,” he said, while stressing the responsibility that comes with representing France: “When you join the French national team, you don’t come here to take. You’re here to give.”
On paper, a third consecutive final seems well within reach for Les Bleus. The veteran coach has repeatedly emphasised the special significance of the World Cup, describing becoming world champion as the ultimate achievement in football. As he prepares for his farewell campaign, the opportunity to leave with another trophy provides a compelling narrative for France’s tournament.
Anything less than a semi-final appearance would be viewed as a disappointment for France. Their blend of elite experience, tactical discipline and attacking firepower places them firmly among the favourites to win the competition. Analysts continue to rank Les Bleus among the strongest contenders alongside traditional heavyweights such as Spain, Argentina, Brazil and England.
France have been drawn in Group I and will begin their campaign against Senegal, before taking on Iraq and Norway, as they look to secure a place in the knockout rounds.
