France’s Routes to the World Cup Final

What is France’s route to the World Cup final? Discover who their potential opponents are now they've topped their group.

Two-time winners of the tournament, France are one of the biggest and best nations to have ever competed. And with their squad packed with elite players, they’re certainly in contention to crown themselves the 2026 champion – in fact, they’re among the favourites across World Cup winner betting markets.

However, you may be wondering – if they’re going to win the competition for a third time, what will their World Cup route to the final be? 

After losing out on the 2022 World Cup, France will be motivated to reclaim the trophy as their own. Below, this blog will go over France’s possible World Cup routes, covering the paths they could take if they topped their group or even finished second.  

And as the tournament progresses, why not follow all the France games as they happen with the latest World Cup betting odds (including their next game: France vs Morocco).

France’s odds of progressing through each round

Before we dive into France’s route to the World Cup final, let’s take a look at what odds they’re given of reaching each round (at the minimum).

Or, why not explore our range of Kylian Mbappe World Cup odds?

France’s route to the World Cup final

Round of 32 

June 30th vs Sweden  

France faced Sweden in the round of 32. And, as expected by many, it was more or less a formality for the French. They eased through the game, and ran out 3-0 victors. Notably, Mbappe topped up his own tally with another couple of goals.

Round of 16 

July 4th vs Paraguay 

In the RO32, it took a Kylian Mbappe penalty to secure a France victory against a resilient Paraguay.

Quarter final 

July 9th vs Morocco 

The next nation in France’s World Cup route is Morocco.

A clash between these nations could be a super spectacle, though France would expect to progress.

Semi-final 

July 14th vs Spain 

The last hurdle before France makes it to the final is likely going to be Spain (see Spain’s possible routes to the World Cup final to see who they may come up against ahead of this stage). The Euro 2024 winners are stacked with talents like Lamine Yamal and Nico Williams, both of whom have made a dangerous partnership for their national team. With France narrowly losing 2-1 at the Euros two years ago, it will be interesting to see if they can overcome their opponents this time around. 

If Spain aren’t able to make it to the last four teams, France may end up facing Belgium instead. 

World Cup final 

July 19th vs Argentina

So, France have conquered every challenge up to this point, scrapping through the groups and knockouts. Who’s their final opponent of the tournament? Argentina, no less.

If France want to win their third World Cup and second in three tournaments, they’ll have to beat the adversary who got the better of them last time out – with Messi and co gunning for back-to-back World Cup titles. Explore Argentina’s route to the World Cup final, to get an idea of their possible road to glory.

If it’s not Argentina, France are likely to play against England or Brazil – both would be hotly anticipated clashes.

Who did France play in the group phase? 

The World Cup draw placed France into Group I with Senegal, Norway, and Iraq. With France topping the FIFA rankings, on paper they were head and shoulders above the other teams. And the group standings reflected that, with Les Bleus winning three out of three.