France heads into the 2026 FIFA World Cup as one of the top contenders after cruising through UEFA World Cup Qualifying. Here’s what you need to know about the France football team 2026 schedule in international friendlies and the 2026 FIFA World Cup group stages.
Les Bleus finished first in their group with steady performances, showing off their depth, tactical strength, and world-class talent to secure a spot in the expanded 48-team tournament.
The schedule for the French Football Team during the 2026 FIFA World Cup will take place from June 11 to July 19, 2026, across the United States, Mexico, and Canada, providing another golden opportunity for France to compete for global supremacy.
In this guide, we break down the France Football Team Schedule for the 2026 World Cup, including group-stage fixtures, match dates, kick-off times, venues, and what fans can expect from Didier Deschamps’ side on football’s biggest stage.
France Football Team Schedule 2026: International Friendlies & FIFA World Cup
Table of Contents
France’s international calendar in 2026 features a demanding run of competitive International Friendlies fixtures as Les Bleus prepare for another deep push at the FIFA World Cup.
With a squad packed with elite talent, tactical depth, and tournament experience, France’s schedule will be closely watched as they balance preparation, momentum, and player fitness across the World Cup cycle.
International Friendlies
| Date | Match | Venue | Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| 26 March 2026 | Brazil vs France | Gillette Stadium | Foxborough, United States |
| 29 March 2026 | Colombia vs France | FedExField | Landover, United States |
France Football Team Matches – 2026 FIFA World Cup
- Group I Matches
France qualified for the 2026 FIFA World Cup as group winners of UEFA World Cup Qualifying Group D, finishing with a 5-1 record (5 wins, 1 draw) and 16 points. The tournament will take place from June 11 to July 19, 2026, across three nations: the United States, Mexico, and Canada.
| Date | Time (ET) | Match | Venue | Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| 16 June 2026 3:00 PM | France vs Senegal | MetLife Stadium | East Rutherford, United States |
| 22 June 2026 5:00 PM | France vs Inter-Confederation Playoff Path 2 Winner | Lincoln Financial Field | Philadelphia, United States |
| 26 June 2026 3:00 PM | Norway vs France | Gillette Stadium | Foxborough, United States |
France’s Group Stage Matches
France has been drawn into Group I alongside Senegal, Norway, and the winner of the inter-confederation playoff Path 2 (one of Iraq, Bolivia, or Suriname). All of France’s group stage matches will be hosted on the US East Coast:
Tournament Structure
The group stage runs from June 11-27, 2026, with matches concluding by June 26. France and other group winners will advance to the knockout stage:
- Round of 32: June 28 – July 3
- Quarterfinals: July 9 – 11
- Semifinals: July 14 – 15
- Final: July 19 at MetLife Stadium, East Rutherford, New Jersey
Group I Overview: “Group of Death”
Group I is widely considered the tournament’s most competitive group, featuring:
- France: Two-time defending finalists (2018 World Cup winners, 2022 runners-up)
- Senegal: African champions and regular World Cup qualifiers
- Norway: Led by striker Erling Haaland, returning to the World Cup for the first time since 1998
- Playoff Winner: Adds unpredictability to the group
The opening match between France and Senegal carries historical significance, as Senegal famously defeated France 1-0 at the 2002 World Cup—one of the tournament’s greatest upsets.
Pre-World Cup Qualifying Campaign
France’s path to the World Cup was completed in November 2025, with key results:
- September 5, 2025: France 2-1 Iceland (away)
- September 9, 2025: France 2-1 Iceland (home)
- October 10, 2025: France 3-0 Azerbaijan (home)
- November 13, 2025: France 4-0 Ukraine (home)
- November 16, 2025: France 3-1 Azerbaijan (away)
France finished with 16 points and 5 wins across 6 qualifying matches, securing first place and automatic qualification for the World Cup.
France World Cup 2026 squad
Goalkeepers: Brice Samba (Rennes), Mike Maignan (AC Milan), Lucas Chevalier (Paris Saint-Germain)
Defenders: Malo Gusto (Chelsea), Lucas Digne (Aston Villa), Dayot Upamecano (Bayern Munich), Jules Kounde (Barcelona), Ibrahima Konate (Liverpool), William Saliba (Arsenal), Lucas Hernandez (Paris Saint-Germain), Theo Hernandez (Al-Hilal)
Midfielders: Khephren Thuram (Juventus), Michael Olise (Bayern Munich), N’Golo Kante (Al-Ittihad), Warren Zaire-Emery (Paris Saint-Germain)
Forwards: Christopher Nkunku (AC Milan), Florian Thauvin (Lens), Hugo Ekitike (Liverpool), Maghnes Akliouche (Monaco), Rayan Cherki (Manchester City), Jean-Philippe Mateta (Crystal Palace), Bradley Barcola (Paris Saint-Germain)
France Football Team – FAQs
When will France play in the 2026 FIFA World Cup?
France will begin their 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign in June 2026, with group-stage matches scheduled between June 11 and June 27, 2026, depending on their final group fixtures.
Which teams are in France’s group at the 2026 World Cup?
France have been drawn into Group I, alongside Senegal, Norway, and the Inter-Confederation Playoff Path 2 winner (to be confirmed before the tournament).
Where will France’s World Cup 2026 group matches be played?
France’s group-stage matches will be hosted across the United States, including venues such as East Rutherford (New Jersey), Philadelphia (Pennsylvania), and Foxborough (Massachusetts).
Will France play international friendlies before the 2026 World Cup?
Yes. France is scheduled to play international friendly matches in March 2026, including high-profile fixtures against Brazil and Colombia in the United States as part of their World Cup preparations.
What is France’s full match schedule for 2026?
France’s 2026 schedule includes:
- March 2026 international friendlies
- June 2026 FIFA World Cup group-stage matches
- Possible Round of 32, Round of 16, quarterfinals, semifinals, and final, depending on progression.
Has France qualified for the 2026 FIFA World Cup?
Yes. France qualified as UEFA World Cup qualifying group winners, securing automatic qualification for the expanded 48-team tournament.
Who is the head coach of France for the 2026 World Cup?
France is coached by Didier Deschamps, who will lead Les Bleus into another World Cup campaign with a squad blending experience and emerging talent.
Which star players are expected to feature for France in 2026?
France’s 2026 squad is expected to feature Kylian Mbappé, Aurélien Tchouaméni, Eduardo Camavinga, Ousmane Dembélé, and other top European-based stars, subject to fitness and final selection.
How many matches will France play if they reach the 2026 World Cup final?
If France reaches the final, they will play 8 matches in total due to the new 48-team World Cup format, starting from the group stage through to the final.
Where can I find updated France Football Team schedules for 2026?
You can find the latest and updated France Football Team Schedule 2026, including match dates, venues, kick-off times, and results, right here on this page as FIFA confirms fixtures.
