France, two-time champions (1998, 2018) and runners-up in 2022, head to FIFA 2026 in Group I alongside Senegal, Norway and an intercontinental playoff winner — notably drawn against Erling Haaland's Norway in what is considered one of the toughest groups in the tournament. Kylian Mbappé leads Les Bleus as they seek to become the first team since Brazil (1958-1962) to win consecutive World Cups... narrowly missing that chance in 2022.
| Appearances | 16 |
| Best Finish | Champions (1998, 2018) |
| Last Appearance | 2022 (runners-up) |
| 2022 Result | Lost final to Argentina on penalties after a thrilling 3-3 draw |
Kylian Mbappé, fresh off his move to Real Madrid, leads the attack as one of the best players in the world and captain. France's squad remains stacked with technical quality across all positions, even amid occasional injury concerns to key players.
Group I is among the toughest in the tournament for a top seed — Norway, led by Erling Haaland (one of the best strikers in the world), are a genuinely dangerous opponent, while Senegal bring African champions pedigree. France cannot take this group for granted; the France vs Norway fixture is one of the must-watch matches of the group stage.
France's France vs Norway clash pits Mbappé against Haaland — two of the most explosive attacking talents in world football — in what could be a genuine Group of Death decider. After France's heartbreaking final defeat in 2022 (3-3 before penalties against Argentina, one of the greatest World Cup finals ever), Les Bleus carry unfinished business into FIFA 2026.
France matches will be shown on T Sports and Sony Sports in Bangladesh. The France vs Norway fixture in particular should be circled as essential viewing — even if it falls at an inconvenient BST hour.