France arrive at the 2026 World Cup for their 17th appearance in the tournament, carrying a record that places them among the game's most consistent presences on the biggest stage. Les Bleus have lifted the trophy twice, on home soil in 1998 when they beat Brazil three nil in Paris, and in 2018 in Moscow when they defeated Croatia four goals to two. They have reached four finals in total, suffering penalty shootout defeats to Italy in 2006 and to Argentina in 2022. No side has appeared in more World Cup finals in this century.

France moved through UEFA qualifying Group D with authority, finishing six matches unbeaten across five wins and one draw, accumulating 16 points. Their group comprised Azerbaijan, Iceland, and Ukraine. The one blemish was a two all draw away in Reykjavik against Iceland in October, but France never looked in danger of missing out. They clinched qualification on 11/13/25, beating Ukraine four nil at the Parc des Princes to seal top spot with a match still to play. They signed off the campaign three days later in Baku, winning three goals to one against Azerbaijan, closing with 16 goals scored and four conceded.