+18 | Commercial Content | T&C's Apply | Play Responsibly | Publishing Principles
France

France news

FBL-WC-2026-MATCH61-NOR-FRA

Mbappe 'on a mission' for France, says Deschamps

France head coach Didier Deschamps has launched a passionate defence of Kylian Mbappe, insisting the forward is currently on a single-minded mission to lead Les Bleus to further glory. The Real Madrid star has been the focal point of the French national team as they prepare for the high-stakes knockout rounds of the World Cup.

VfL Wolfsburg v FC Bayern München - Bundesliga

Olise eyes Bayern exit talks amidst Madrid interest

Michael Olise has emerged as one of the standout performers of the World Cup, cementing his status as one of global football's elite talents. Following an exceptional domestic campaign with Bayern Munich, the French international is now seeking clarity regarding his role at the Allianz Arena as heavyweight interest continues to mount.

FBL-WC-2026-MATCH42-FRA-IRQ

Lineker backs Deschamps for World Cup glory

Gary Lineker has named France as the outright favourites to win the World Cup, insisting that there is no manager in international football better suited to lifting the trophy than Didier Deschamps. The former England striker praised the leadership of the Les Bleus boss while simultaneously hitting out at FIFA for a controversial decision regarding the French national team.

Winners losers World Cup group stage GFX

Winners & losers of the World Cup group stage

The group stage of the 2026 World Cup came to a dramatic conclusion on Saturday, as Austria scored a 96th-minute equaliser against Algeria to qualify for the knockout stage while simultaneously eliminating Iran, who had been set to progress as one of the tournament's third-placed finishers. Elsewhere, Lionel Messi came off the bench to help Argentina maintain their 100 percent winning record with a 3-1 victory over Jordan and, in doing so, the No.10 extended his record-breaking goals tally at the finals to 19.

Spain v Cabo Verde: Group H - FIFA World Cup 2026

How have debutant teams performed at the FIFA World Cup?

Four nations made debuts at the 2026 World Cup, with Cape Verde, Curacao, Jordan and Uzbekistan gracing the grandest stage in international football for the first time. It is the tournament with the most newcomers since 2006 and Cape Verde have achieved the feat of ending a 16-year wait for a debutant to reach the knockout stages, with the African nation to face Lionel Messi's Argentina on Friday.

World Cup Power Rankings GFX

WC26 Power Rankings: Draw opens up for Messi & Argentina

The group stages of the 2026 World Cup are in the books after a thrilling fortnight of action across the United States, Mexico and Canada. Despite a lack of eye-catching fixtures on paper in the new, expanded format, there has been drama aplenty, with all the big names showing up for their respective countries on football's biggest stage.

World Cup Golden Ball GFX

World Cup Golden Ball Power Rankings: Messi in at No.1

The 2026 World Cup is underway as those still in contention fight it out for the universally coveted trophy. While the collective prize is the main objective for all competitors, some are already making their claim as the best player of the entire tournament. Lionel Messi is the current top candidate with all five of Argentina's goals, but Kylian Mbappe and Michael Olise are breathing down his neck.

World Cup Golden Boot GFX

World Cup 2026 Golden Boot standings: Messi leads Mbappe & Co

The 2026 World Cup is underway and so is the race for the prestigious Golden Boot - the award given to the tournament's top scorer. There's a long road ahead as 48 nations battle for the top prize, but which star will take home the illustrious award? Here are GOAL's predicted candidates for the prize as we keep track of the tournament's most prolific stars

potter

Potter relishes 'dream' World Cup tie against France

Sweden manager Graham Potter has revealed his excitement ahead of a dream World Cup round-of-32 encounter against heavyweights France in New Jersey. The former Chelsea coach acknowledged the immense challenge of facing a star-studded Bleus squad but insists his side are looking forward to orchestrating a massive tournament shock.

Norway v France: Group I - FIFA World Cup 2026

Dembele not happy despite France hat-trick vs Norway

France winger Ousmane Dembele has surprisingly downplayed his spectacular international hat-trick against Norway, claiming his previous group-stage outings were far more influential. The reigning Ballon d'Or winner made history with a lightning-fast treble to secure top spot in Group I, yet he remained critical of his overall contribution.

Jose Mourinho Kylian Mbappe Jude Bellingham 2026

'I always say England' - Mourinho runs rule over World Cup favourites

Speaking exclusively on the Beast Mode On Podcast, José Mourinho has backed Cristiano Ronaldo and his native Portugal to stake a serious claim for World Cup glory, while ranking England among the favourites. Having recently returned to Real Madrid for a second spell in charge at the Bernabeu, Mourinho has also explained why he is hoping to see Madrid's star names suffer early exits from FIFA's flagship event in North America.

Mbappe vs Haaland GFX

Why Mbappe vs Haaland hasn't reached Messi-Ronaldo levels

Kylian Mbappe versus Erling Haaland was billed as the next great footballing rivalry to follow Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo's two decades of dominance, but as the France and Norway superstars prepare to go head to head at the 2026 World Cup, it's fair to say that their individual tussle has yet to really take off in the way many people expected.

Michael Olise

Bayern plan massive contract to keep Olise from Madrid

Bayern Munich are reportedly preparing to offer Michael Olise a lucrative new contract to ward off heavy transfer interest from Real Madrid. The Bundesliga club are determined to keep the France winger, who has impressed at the World Cup, by significantly increasing his wages and extending his deal until 2031 amidst growing speculation about a high-profile departure.

KYLIAN MBAPPE FRANCE

Mbappe’s ‘flute’ goal celebration explained: Corden responsible

Kylian Mbappe has taken the 2026 World Cup by storm, not just with his clinical finishing but with a brand-new goal celebration that has left fans around the globe intrigued. The France captain, traditionally known for his crossed-arms pose, has swapped his trademark routine for an imaginary flute performance after finding the net in North America.

France v Senegal: Group I - FIFA World Cup 2026

Deschamps to miss decisive France fixture after death of mother

France manager Didier Deschamps will miss their 2026 World Cup Group I decider against Norway in the United States following the passing of his mother. Assistant Guy Stephan takes charge of the national team who have already reached the Round of 32, with the winner of Friday's clash set to top the group as Deschamps' final tournament at the helm takes an emotional turn.

FBL-WC-2026-MATCH42-FRA-IRQ

Deschamps urges Dembele critics to 'get off his case'

France manager Didier Deschamps has fiercely defended Ousmane Dembele following an impressive display against Iraq. The Ballon d'Or winner faced heavy criticism after a quiet performance against Senegal, where he failed to register a shot on target. However, he silenced doubters with a goal and an assist, proving why he recently led Paris Saint-Germain to European glory.