The 2018 champions looked imperious through the group stage, led by the goals of Ousmane Dembélé and Kylian Mbappé.

MOLLY DARLINGTON

World Cup 2026

France World Cup projected path: Fixture list and route to the World Cup final

Journalist, AS USA

A journalist, soccer fanatic and Shrewsbury Town fan, Will’s love for the game has withstood countless playoff final losses. After graduating from the University of Liverpool he wrote for a number of British publications before joining AS USA in 2020. His work focuses on the Premier League, LaLiga, MLS, Liga MX and the global game.

Update: Jul 9th, 2026 13:25 EDT

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Heading into the 2026 World Cup, France were many experts’ tip to lift the trophy. Didier Deschamps’ side have been incredibly reliable on the biggest stage and boast one of the fiercest attacking armories on the planet.

With the likes of Ousmane Dembélé, Désiré Doué and Kylian Mbappé, France blitzed through the group stage with three wins from three. That included an impressive 4-1 win over Norway, albeit against a much-changed Norwegian team.

France World Cup projected path: Fixture list and route to the World Cup final — France's forward line boasts many of the best players on the planet.JEWEL SAMAD

France lifted the World Cup in 2018 and reached the final again in 2022, only losing to eventual champions Argentina on penalties. They will be looking to make a historic third consecutive appearance in the final this summer, but they have a tough route to get there...

Who did France play in the round of 32?

After topping Group I ahead of Norway and Senegal, France lined up against Sweden. The French made it look easy with a 3-0 victory to assure their spot in the round of 16.

Who did France play in the round of 16?

France took on Paraguay in the round of 16 after a surprise win against European powerhouse Germany. France won 1-0 in a tough match that was closer than most would have thought.

Where? Philadelphia, July 4

Who is France playing against in quarterfinals?

The quarter-final opponent for France is Morocco, who beat co-hosts Canada in the Round of 16.

Where? Boston, July 9

Who could France play in the semi-final?

If France make it to the semi-final they could come up against the strongest teams from their half of the bracket, including reigning European champions Spain or the team that eliminated the U.S., Belgium.

Where? Dallas, July 14

Who could France play in the World Cup final?

If France get to a third straight World Cup final they will come up against the winning team to emerge from the other side of the bracket. That includes the likes of Brazil, Norway, England but the most tantalizing prospect would be a rematch against Lionel Messi and Argentina, who beat France at this stage four years ago.

Where? New York/New Jersey, July 19

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World Cup 2026

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