As the FIFA World Cup 2026 approaches, anticipation builds for France’s potential to claim its third title. The team, led by coach Didier Deschamps, has a storied competition history, recently reaching the finals in 2018 and 2022. They secured their second championship in 2018 but faced heartbreak in the last tournament, losing to Argentina in a penalty shootout after a thrilling 3-3 draw.
France’s Road to Qualification
The French national team had an impressive qualifying run, finishing with five wins and a draw in their group. Their performance included:
- Six goals against both Azerbaijan and Ukraine
- Four goals against Iceland
France averaged 2.67 goals per match, ranking among the top teams in UEFA. They also maintained strong defensive stats, recording three clean sheets and conceding only four goals, with an average of 0.67 goals conceded per game.
Key Contributors in Qualification
Kylian Mbappe emerged as the leading scorer with five goals. Other notable players included:
- Michael Olise – two goals from 13 shots
- Jean-Philippe Mateta – two goals from seven shots
- Bradley Barcola and Adrien Rabiot – both contributing to the goal tally
Creative Forces
Olise was pivotal in France’s creativity, leading the team with 22 key passes. Despite not registering assists, he played a crucial role in orchestrating attacks. Mbappe provided three assists, showcasing his capability as a playmaker.
Upcoming Fixtures
France faces a challenging group in the World Cup, with matches against Senegal and Norway. Iraq stands out as a key fixture in Round 2, offering potential for a high-scoring affair.
Recent Matches
Since qualifying, France has played two friendly matches, winning against Brazil (2-1) and Colombia (3-1). These matches saw Deschamps experimenting with a 4-2-3-1 formation. Notably, Kylian Mbappe scored against Brazil, inching closer to France’s all-time scoring record.
Top Fantasy Picks
Leading into the tournament, players to watch for fantasy selections include:
- Kylian Mbappe ($10.5m) – Renowned for his scoring ability, he has 12 World Cup goals and is poised to break records.
- Michael Olise ($9.5m) – A breakout talent from Bayern Munich, expected to play a vital role.
- Desire Doue ($7.5m) – Emerging as one of Europe’s brightest young forwards.
While players like Ousmane Dembele ($10.0m) and others bring added potential, their recent playing time raises questions about their roles.
Defensive Selections
Jules Kounde ($5.4m) is seen as a stable option in defense given his club performance. Alternatively, full-backs like Theo Hernandez and Lucas Digne remain attractive choices for their offensive contributions.
The excitement surrounding France’s potential in the FIFA World Cup 2026 is palpable, as fans eagerly await the opportunity to see if they can capitalize on their talent and experience to secure a third championship title.
