France World Cup 2026 guide: Fixtures, prediction, key player and odds

France are no strangers to success at the World Cup in recent years - winning the tournament in 2018 before returning to the final at the last edition. Second favourites behind Spain in the eyes of most bookies, France are expected to impress in North America.

Although Les Bleus were eventually beaten on penalties after sharing an instant classic with Argentina in 2022, it would be no surprise to see the French return to latter stages of the World Cup this summer. Led by a World Cup winning manager, Didier Deschamps, and captained by Kylian Mbappe, one of football’s biggest superstars, a talented France team will believe they can go all the way.

France will hope to become the first team since Brazil between 1994 and 2002 to reach three consecutive World Cup finals. Brazil tasted ultimate glory in ‘94 and ‘02, but tasted defeat in the ‘98 final. The champions that year? Hosts France, of course.

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 Upamenaco

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-Phillipe Mateta, Marcus Thuram

(all times BST)

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

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

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

France have all the ingredients for a successful campaign. The squad is settled and full of experience from the last two World Cups, whilst a host of the squad have tasted Champions League success with Paris Saint-Germain. World-class talents such as Kylian Mbappe and Ousmane Dembele are supplemented by so much depth that a host of recognisable names have been left at home, such as Leny Yoro, Eli Junior Kroupi, and Eduardo Camavinga.

However, France’s group is reasonably difficult considering how the World Cup has been diluted by the expansion to 48 teams. Norway have a talented squad also led by a superstar striker in Erling Haaland, but lack major tournament experience and depth. Senegal have shocked France at a World Cup before - way back in 2002 and boast big names such as Nicholas Jackson and Sadio Mane. If France can navigate safe passage and gain momentum, they will be a hard team to halt.

Kylian Mbappe is one of the biggest names in world football, a Real Madrid galactico, World Cup winner, and a rare example of a player billed from a young age as the next big thing coming more than good. For example, it should be ludicrous to say that a country’s best player is not the reigning Ballon d’Or winner, in France’s case Ousmane Dembele.

But Mbappe’s quality alone can win games, even at the highest level. The 27-year-old will cross the 100-cap mark for France during the tournament, with his 96 appearances so far producing 56 goals - three of which came in the final of the last World Cup. Eight years on since setting the world alight as a 19-year-old in Russia, can Mbappe captain his side to a third World Cup trophy?

To win the World Cup: 9/2

Odds via Betfair (subject to change).

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