France

France

1st in FIFA World Cup Qualifying - UEFA
How travel will impact 2026 World Cup group stage, and why it matters How travel will impact 2026 World Cup group stage, and why it matters

For many national teams, how they handle and recover from extensive travel could make or break their World Cup next summer.

2026 World Cup draw: England join Croatia, Panama and Ghana in Group L - as it happened 2026 World Cup draw: England join Croatia, Panama and Ghana in Group L - as it happened

England have learnt their group-stage opponents at the 2026 World Cup - follow how ESPN reacted to the draw as it unfolded.

Collection Collection

2026 World Cup predictions: Group-by-group takeaways, must-see games 2026 World Cup predictions: Group-by-group takeaways, must-see games

The draw is complete for the 2026 World Cup! What are the top matches to watch, and how will it all go down? We asked ESPN's writers to break down each group, highlight the storylines and make their predictions.

2026 World Cup draw as it happened: groups, matches, reaction 2026 World Cup draw as it happened: groups, matches, reaction

Enjoy all what happened at the 2026 FIFA World Cup group stage draw as we find out which teams will play who in North America next summer.

Laurens can't wait for Haaland vs. Mbappe in World Cup Group I Laurens can't wait for Haaland vs. Mbappe in World Cup Group I

Julien Laurens reacts to the toughest of the World Cup groups, with France, Senegal, Norway and a playoff winner facing off in Group I.

2026 World Cup draw: USMNT to face Paraguay, Australia 2026 World Cup draw: USMNT to face Paraguay, Australia

The United States will face Paraguay, Australia and the winner of a UEFA playoff featuring Türkiye, Romania, Slovakia and Kosovo in the group stage of the 2026 World Cup.

One thing to know about confirmed 2026 World Cup teams pre-draw One thing to know about confirmed 2026 World Cup teams pre-draw

The FIFA World Cup draw is happening Friday, and 42 of the 48 teams are confirmed. But what's one thing you need to know about each nation?

Kylian Mbappé scores 2nd-fastest Champions League hat trick Kylian Mbappé scores 2nd-fastest Champions League hat trick

Real Madrid star Kylian Mbappé scored the second-fastest hat trick in Champions League history by netting three times in just under seven minutes at Olympiacos on Wednesday.

World Cup 2026: Why England are unlikely to face France until final - and are on course for Lionel Messi World Cup 2026: Why England are unlikely to face France until final - and are on course for Lionel Messi

England will enter next week's 2026 World Cup draw with a rare strategic advantage -- and the respite of knowing meetings with Kylian Mbappé, Lionel Messi and Lamine Yamal may have to wait.

Paul Pogba set for football return after two years out - sources Paul Pogba set for football return after two years out - sources

Paul Pogba will be included in the AS Monaco squad to face Rennes on Saturday in Brittany and the plan is for him to play a few minutes, sources told ESPN on Thursday.

WCQ - UEFA Standings

# TEAM GP GD PTS
1 France 6 +12 16
2 Ukraine 6 -1 10
3 Iceland 6 +2 7
4 Azerbaijan 6 -13 1
Full Standings

Team Leaders

Top Scorers

# Player Goals M A
Michael Olise 2 5 0
Jean-Philippe .. 2 3 0
Hugo Ekitike 1 6 1

Top Assists

# Player Assists M G
Malo Gusto 2 5 0
Hugo Ekitike 1 6 1
Maghnes Akliou.. 1 5 1