France’s presence in World Cup finals: a historical overview
The French national team has repeatedly reached the World Cup final, including a notable appearance in the 2022 tournament held in Qatar. France continued its tradition of strong performances by advancing deep into the competition, building on a legacy that includes multiple final appearances and a reputation for high-level football.
France solidified its status as a top contender in the 2018 World Cup held in Russia, defeating Croatia in the final at the Luzhniki Stadium in Moscow. That day, July 15, 2018, marked a triumphant return for Les Bleus as they celebrated a second World Cup title after their first triumph earlier in the tournament’s history. The victory underscored France’s long-standing presence at the summit of international football, joining the ranks of nations with frequent World Cup success and finals appearances.
Throughout its history, the French side has been among the most successful in World Cup finals, alongside teams like Germany, Brazil, Argentina, Italy, and the Netherlands. Under the coaching of Didier Deschamps, France aimed to extend its record with a potential second title in the Qatar 2022 edition.
How many World Cup finals has France played?
The first final for Les Bleus came in 1998 when the tournament was hosted by France. The team delivered a commanding group stage performance, scoring freely and conceding little, which set the tone for the knockout rounds. In the final, France defeated Brazil with a 3-0 scoreline, thanks to the goals from Zinedine Zidane and others, clinching their first World Cup title in front of home fans.
Along the way to that crown, France faced and defeated teams such as Paraguay, Italy, and Croatia, and accumulated a notable tally of goals that helped define their historic run. This victory established France as a force in world football and laid the groundwork for future contenders in subsequent decades.
In the 2006 World Cup held in Germany, France advanced far but were eliminated in the knockout stages after a memorable group stage and a dramatic final round, with Italy ultimately capturing the title. The 2018 campaign in Russia brought another final appearance for France, where Didier Deschamps achieved the rare feat of winning the World Cup as both player and coach, following a 4-2 victory over Croatia that featured goals from Griezmann, Pogba, Mbappé, and contributions from other players. These moments solidified France’s reputation as a perennial finalist and title contender.
In the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, the French team reached another final after defeating strong opponents in the knockout rounds, with their run culminating in a high-profile matchup against Lionel Messi’s Argentina. This extended France’s final tally and reinforced the nation’s position among the most successful in the history of the competition.
Across these campaigns, the French program demonstrated that it could compete at the highest level over multiple eras, guided by the leadership of Didier Deschamps and a deep pool of talent from domestic and international clubs. The team’s ability to reach finals across different tournaments illustrates a sustained excellence that resonates with fans in Canada, the United States, and beyond. [Goal]
What was the best World Cup winning team?
- France 2018
- Germany 2014
- Spain 2010
- Italy 2006
Vote totals reflect fan engagement with historical champions and illustrate the enduring popularity of the tournament across generations. The results are compiled for public interest and historical reference. [Goal]
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What was the best World Cup winning team?
- France 2018
- Germany 2014
- Spain 2010
- Italy 2006
Participation in this poll demonstrates the global passion for World Cup histories and the enduring impact of past champions. [Goal]
Source: Goal