France have learned their group-stage roadmap for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, with FIFA officially revealing fixtures on Saturday following Friday’s draw that placed Les Bleus in Group I.
The reigning world champions will begin their campaign with a symbolic encounter against Senegal, revisiting the opening match of the 2002 World Cup that ended in a famous defeat for France.
That fixture will take place on Tuesday, June 16, at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, with kick-off scheduled for 9pm CET. The venue, one of the showpieces of the tournament, is expected to host several high-profile matches.
The France-Senegal meeting carries historical weight. In 2002, Senegal’s shock victory over Les Bleus marked one of the greatest upsets in World Cup history and foreshadowed France’s early elimination from the competition.
This time, the context is very different. France arrive in 2026 as one of the tournament favourites, boasting a squad packed with elite talent and tournament-hardened experience at the highest level.
Didier Deschamps’ side will then turn their attention to their second group match, scheduled for Monday, June 22, at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia, with kick-off at 11pm CET.
Their opponents will be FIFA Play-off Winner 2, a team yet to be determined from Bolivia, Suriname, or Iraq, all of whom will contest intercontinental qualification playoffs.
While the opposition may appear less daunting on paper, France will be well aware of the dangers posed by unfamiliar teams, especially in a World Cup expanded to 48 nations.
History has shown that slow starts can prove costly, and Deschamps will be keen to secure maximum points early to avoid complications later in the group.
Les Bleus will conclude their group-stage campaign with one of the most anticipated fixtures of the opening round, facing Norway on Friday, June 26, at Boston’s Gillette Stadium, with kick-off again set for 9pm CET.
The match is already attracting global attention due to the presence of Norway’s talisman Erling Haaland, widely regarded as one of the most lethal strikers in world football.
France versus Norway promises to be a clash of contrasting styles, with Les Bleus’ depth, pace, and technical quality tested against Haaland’s power and ruthless efficiency in front of goal.
For France, the group finale could play a decisive role in determining top spot in Group I, which may significantly influence the knockout-stage pathway.
The United States-hosted tournament will see France travel extensively during the group phase, moving from the New York metropolitan area to Philadelphia and then north to Boston.
Managing travel, recovery, and squad rotation will be a key challenge for Deschamps and his coaching staff, particularly in the intense summer schedule of a World Cup.
The 2026 edition will be the first to feature 48 teams and will be jointly hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico, marking a new era in the tournament’s history.
For French supporters, the unveiling of these fixtures offers clarity and anticipation as Les Bleus aim to add a third world title to their collection after triumphs in 1998 and 2018.
With history, redemption, and star power woven into their group-stage journey, France’s path through Group I promises drama from the very first kick-off.
This article was created using automation technology and was thoroughly edited and fact-checked by one of our editorial staff members