France at the World Cup: full history and record
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France has appeared in 16 World Cups from 1930-2022, winning the tournament twice (1998, 2018) and reaching four finals overall. Les Bleus have compiled an impressive record of 37 wins, 17 draws, and 19 losses across 73 matches, scoring 129 goals while conceding 80 for a goal difference of +49.
Their World Cup journey spans nearly a century of football excellence, with their most recent final appearance coming in 2022 when they lost to Argentina on penalties despite a thrilling 2-2 draw in regular time.
France's World Cup Golden Moments
France's finest World Cup hour came on home soil in 1998, when they demolished Brazil 3-0 in the final to claim their first title. Twenty years later, they repeated the feat in Russia, defeating Croatia 4-2 in an entertaining final that showcased their blend of youth and experience. The heartbreak has been equally memorable - the 2006 penalty shootout loss to Italy marked Zinedine Zidane's infamous final bow, while the 2022 final against Argentina was arguably the greatest World Cup final ever played.
Looking Ahead to 2026
As defending runners-up, France enters the 2026 World Cup as one of the favorites. With Kylian Mbappé leading a talented generation and strong domestic infrastructure continuing to produce world-class players, Les Bleus will aim to become the first team since Brazil (1958, 1962) to win back-to-back World Cups. Fans can track France's journey and build their tournament bracket on Bola 2026 when the expanded 48-team format begins.
Frequently asked questions
How many World Cups has France won?
France has won the World Cup twice, in 1998 (beating Brazil 3-0) and 2018 (beating Croatia 4-2).
When did France first appear in the World Cup?
France participated in the inaugural World Cup in 1930 and has appeared in 16 tournaments through 2022.
What is France's overall World Cup win-loss record?
France has won 37, drawn 17, and lost 19 of their 73 World Cup matches, with 129 goals scored and 80 conceded.