Before the 2026 Fifa World Cup began, France were among the favourites to lift the trophy. Four matches later, they have only strengthened that reputation.
Les Bleus have defeated opponents from Africa, Asia and Europe, combining attacking flair with defensive discipline to emerge as perhaps the tournament's most complete team.
The numbers speak for themselves: four wins, 13 goals scored and only two conceded. No remaining side has looked more balanced.
France began their campaign against Senegal, one of Africa's strongest teams and a side known for its physicality and dangerous counterattacks.
Many expected the Lions of Teranga to trouble Didier Deschamps' men, but the French quickly imposed themselves. Adrien Rabiot and Aurélien Tchouameni controlled the midfield, while Kylian Mbappe constantly stretched Senegal's defence with his pace. Michael Olise and Ousmane Dembele created chances from the flanks as Les Bleus dictated possession throughout.
The result was a convincing 3-1 victory, sending an early message that France had arrived in North America ready to compete for another world title.
France's second group-stage match brought a very different challenge.
Iraq, one of Asia's surprise qualifiers, arrived determined to frustrate the tournament favourites. They defended with two compact lines, stayed organised and looked to counter whenever possession changed hands.
For almost the entire first half, France dominated the ball but struggled to create clear opportunities.
Eventually, patience gave way to quality.
Once the breakthrough arrived, the match opened completely. Mbappe, Olise and Bradley Barcola repeatedly found space behind Iraq's defence as France accelerated the tempo. Iraq could no longer contain the relentless movement of the French attack, and Les Bleus secured a comfortable 3-0 victory, recording another clean sheet.
France's biggest tests came against European opposition.
In the group stage, they defeated Norway 4-1, overcoming a side led by Erling Haaland and Martin Odegaard. France's aggressive pressing prevented Norway from building attacks, while their pace on the counter exposed defensive gaps throughout the match. It remains Norway's only defeat before the Scandinavians eliminated Côte d'Ivoire to reach the Round of 16.
Sweden offered a different challenge in the Round of 32.
Organised and disciplined under Graham Potter, the Swedes frustrated France for almost an entire half before Mbappé finally broke the deadlock just before the interval.
Bradley Barcola doubled the advantage after the restart before Mbappe completed a 3-0 victory, with Michael Olise once again producing an outstanding creative display.
France's remarkable run has been powered by a group of players performing at their best.
Kylian Mbappe has led from the front, scoring six goals to share the Golden Boot lead while once again proving decisive in the biggest moments. Michael Olise has emerged as the tournament's chief creator, dictating attacks with his vision and providing a stream of chances for his teammates.
Bradley Barcola and Ousmane Dembele have added pace and unpredictability on the wings, while Aurelien Tchouameni and Adrien Rabiot have controlled the midfield with authority.
At the back, William Saliba and Ibrahima Konate have formed one of the World Cup's strongest defensive partnerships, giving goalkeeper Mike Maignan a relatively quiet tournament.
Together, they have turned France from title contenders into the team every remaining nation fears.
FIFA World Cup 2026 / France
While most comments will be posted if they are on-topic and not abusive, moderation decisions are subjective. Published comments are readers’ own views and The Business Standard does not endorse any of the readers’ comments.
Copyright © 2026 THE BUSINESS STANDARD
All rights reserved.
