What stands out about France’s World Cup triumphs
France, nicknamed “Les Bleus,” captured their second FIFA World Cup title in Russia in 2018, adding to the glory earned during their first triumph in 1998. The journey of that 2018 squad has become a benchmark for modern French football, a team built on a blend of technical skill, tactical discipline, and a deep pool of young talent that rose to meet the highest stage in international sport.
More than four years ago, after defeating Belgium in the opening half of the 2018 semi-final phase, the French squad moved on to the final stage in Moscow where they outplayed Croatia with a 4-2 scoreline. That victory not only sealed a memorable World Cup title for the nation, but it also reinforced France’s position as one of the perennial powerhouses in world football. The achievement marked the second time a host nation won the tournament when France previously clinched the World Cup on home soil in 1998 and later did so again in Russia in 2018. France had also hosted the tournament earlier in 1938, underscoring a historic pattern of hosting and triumphs on the global stage.
On the pitch, leadership came from Didier Deschamps, who captained the 1998 team and later took the helm as coach. The 1998 squad boasted a standout performance from Zinedine Zidane, who orchestrated the play in the final against Brazil, delivering a commanding 3-0 win in Paris. Zidane’s influence as a player set a high standard for the generations that followed, and Deschamps has carried that legacy forward from the sidelines as the team’s manager. As the 2022 edition approached, questions about the possibility of another title under Deschamps’s guidance began to surface, reflecting the ongoing narrative of France as a team that can rise to the occasion when it matters most.
Looking back now, the French program has remained in the conversation about the team that could reach the pinnacle once again, keeping alive the idea of a seamless transition from former stars to new talents. The dynamic between seasoned veterans and emerging players under Deschamps’s management is frequently cited as a key factor in sustaining France’s competitive edge across World Cup campaigns.
In December 2022, the anticipated clash slated for the final stages pitted France against a familiar opponent in the global football arena, spotlighting the ongoing competition with Argentina and the enduring influence of star players such as Lionel Messi. The matchup was seen as a test of experience against youthful vigor, strategy against spontaneity, and a referendum on France’s ability to reproduce success at the most demanding level of international soccer.
What was the best World Cup winning team?
- France 2018
- Germany 2014
- Spain 2010
- Italy 2006
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What was the best World Cup winning team?
- France 2018
- Germany 2014
- Spain 2010
- Italy 2006
309479 to vote
France 1998
PIERRE VERDY/AFP
Russia 2018
Source: Goal