France Football: Major Developments Shape Les Bleus’ Path to 2026 World Cup

France’s World Cup Qualifying Campaign Gets Underway

France has begun their qualifying campaign for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, with the team joining the qualifying programme later than most due to their involvement in the 2025 Nations League.

In their recent qualifier, France demonstrated their prowess with an impressive performance. The match saw new faces making an impact, with PSG forward Bradley Barcola combining effectively with Olise to secure an early lead for Les Bleus.

Stadium Controversy and Transition

A significant development has emerged regarding France’s home venue. The team is currently playing their matches at Paris Saint-Germain’s Parc des Princes due to negotiations with the Stade de France’s new owners reaching an impasse. The French Football Federation (FFF) considers the price demanded by the new owners excessive, leading to this temporary arrangement.

Club-Country Tensions Surface

Recent injuries to national team players have sparked controversy, with Paris Saint-Germain expressing concerns about player management. The club had previously informed the French federation about their players’ medical conditions through an official letter. PSG, the current European champions, has expressed disappointment that their medical recommendations weren’t considered by the national team’s medical staff.

Looking Ahead

A significant change looms on the horizon as manager Didier Deschamps has confirmed he will depart after the 2026 World Cup when his contract expires. The team faces an intensive period ahead with European qualifying matches, as they compete among 54 teams for spots in the tournament to be hosted across the United States, Canada and Mexico.