France Will Be Gunning For 2026 World Cup Glory
France | Head coach: Didier Deschamps | Captain: Kylian Mbappe
Ahead of the 23rd edition of the greatest international football show on earth, BetVictor News brings you the in-depth France World Cup preview, prediction, latest odds, tournament record, star players, best betting angles and more.
- France World Cup prediction: Semi-final exit for Les Bleus
- Bet on the 2026 World Cup with BetVictor
France World Cup Preview
As far as international football squads go, France have one of the finest on the world stage. From Mike Maignan in goal to record goalscorer (almost) Kylian Mbappe, Didier Deschamps is blessed with an array of superstars all over the pitch.
This will be Deschamps last rodeo in Les Bleus dugout and naturally, he’ll be looking to replicate the heroics of 2018 and go out with a bang. The 1998 World Cup winner came mightily close to glory in Qatar four years ago but lost out on penalties to Argentina in the final. Unsurprisingly, France are one of the World Cup betting favourites for this year’s tournament.
France World Cup Record
Aiming to avenge their agonising defeat to Lionel Messi’s Argentina last time out, France will be seeking their hat-trick of World Cup wins in North America. They first tasted success in 1998 when they cruised to a 3-0 win over Brazil on home turf. 20 years later, Croatia felt the wrath of Kylian Mbappe and co. in the 2018 final in Russia.
Mbappe is the joint-favourite alongside Harry Kane in the World Cup top scorer odds market and he will be imperative if trophy number three is to return to Paris. The 2026 edition will be Les Bleus 18th overall and they have reached four finals between 1998 and 2022 (W2, L2).
France World Cup record summary:
- Total World Cups played: 18 (including 2026)
- Titles: 1998, 2018
- Runners‑up: 2006, 2022
- Did not participate: 1950
- Did not qualify: 1962, 1970, 1974, 1990, 1994
France World Cup Squad
Goalkeepers: Mike Maignan (AC Milan), Robin Risser (Lens), Brice Samba (Rennes)
Defenders: Lucas Digne (Aston Villa), Malo Gusto (Chelsea), Lucas Hernandez (Paris St-Germain), Theo Hernandez (Al Hilal), Ibrahima Konate (Liverpool), Maxence Lacroix (Crystal Palace), Jules Kounde (Barcelona), William Saliba (Arsenal), Dayot Upamenaco (Bayern Munich)
Midfielders: N’Golo Kante (Fenerbache), Manu Kone (Roma), Adrien Rabiot (AC Milan), Aurelien Tchouameni (Real Madrid), Warren Zaire-Emery (Paris St-Germain)
Forwards: Maghnes Akliouche (Monaco), Bradley Barcola (Paris St-Germain), Rayan Cherki (Man City), Ousmane Dembele (Paris St-Germain), Desire Doue (Paris St-Germain), Michael Olise (Bayern Munich), Kylian Mbappe (Real Madrid), Jean-Phillipe Mateta (Crystal Palace), Marcus Thuram (Inter Milan)
France Star Players
- Kylian Mbappe
- Ousmane Dembele
- Michael Olise
- N’Golo Kante
- William Saliba
- Lucas Hernandez
Players to watch
- Rayan Cherki
- Desire Doue
France World Cup Fixtures
Although the World Cup odds suggest France will go far, they’ll have to navigate the ‘Group of Death’ first and foremost. The first fixture will pit them against old foes Senegal – who shocked the world by beating Les Bleus in the 2002 opener in Japan and South Korea.
Up next is Iraq, who are making just their second-ever finals experience. And when it comes to World Cup betting, the footballing minnows will have an almighty task on their hands to get the better of Les Bleus.
On MD3, Didier Deschamps’ side entertain World Cup dark horses Norway. The Scandinavians are playing in their first WC tournament since 1998 and will be aiming to rustle as many feathers as possible.
In their qualifying campaign, France finished top of Group D winning five from six and drawing the other.
- France vs Senegal on June 16 at the MetLife Stadium, East Rutherford, New Jersey
- France vs Iraq on June 22 at the Lincoln Financial Field, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
- Norway vs France on June 26 at the Gillette Stadium, Foxborough, Massachusetts
France World Cup Odds
As far as the World Cup winner odds market goes, France can be backed at 9/2. Les Bleus are clearly one of the outright favourites and it would be a huge surprise to see them not advance until at least the semi-final stage.
- World Cup winner odds: 9/2
- World Cup runners-up odds: 5/2
- World Cup semi-finalists odds : 5/4
- World Cup quarter-finalists odds: 8/13
Our France Team Markets allow customers to bet on the Les Bleus tournament top scorer. Kylian Mbappe is the odds on favourite followed by Ousmane Dembele and Michael Olise.
France World Cup Prediction
Despite boasting one of the finest teams at the 2026 World Cup, we feel that France will trip at the semi-final hurdle. The last four is likely to contain the likes of England and Spain and we believe that either – if they met, of course – would better Les Bleus on the night in a tight and thrilling encounter.
France World Cup prediction: Semi-final (5/4)
France 2026 World Cup FAQs:
Who Is France’s Top Scorer At The World Cup?
Kylian Mbappe is the top scorer for France in the World Cup finals. The Real Madrid superstar has 12 goals to his name from two tournaments which included a hat-trick in the finale last time out against Argentina. Mbappe needs just four more goals to equal Miroslav Klose’s all-time record (16 goals).
How Many World Cups Have France Participated In?
Since the first World Cup in 1930, France have played in a total of 17 tournaments. The 2026 edition will be their 18th overall. The last time France didn’t qualify for a World Cup was the 1994 tournament held in the USA.
Can I Bet On France To Win The World Cup?
Yes, absolutely. BetVictor currently lists France as the joint-favourites (alongside Spain) to win the 2026 World Cup. Not only can customers bet on the outright winner, there are a variety of other markets which include the tournament top scorer, match-by-match betting, team and player specials and many more.
If you intend to bet on the 2026 World Cup, then please take the time to read through BetVictor’s safe and responsible gambling page which will provide good advice on how to stay in control when betting on football.
Any betting decisions should be made responsibly and there are no guarantees when it comes to match outcomes. Odds correct as of 3pm, June 2 2026 and are subject to change.
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