France 2026 World Cup Team Preview, Betting Odds, Predictions & Best Bets
France are amongst the favorites to win the 2026 World Cup. With a squad bursting with talent, Didier Deschamps’ side will be looking to repeat the success of 2018 where they won their second World Cup title.
In 2022, France took part in one of the most exhilarating World Cup Finals in history, eventually losing on penalties to Argentina. With arguably the best attacking line up currently in world soccer, many are expecting this France side to go all the way in 2026.
France 2026 World Cup Betting Odds
- To Win World Cup:
- To Reach Final:
- To Reach Semifinal:
- To Reach Quarterfinal:
- To Win Group I:
- To Advance From Group:
- Group: Group I
- FIFA Rank: 1
The odds on France winning the 2026 World Cup have shortened in recent weeks. Spain were the clear favorites but many sportsbooks have now priced both sides at around +500 to win the 2026 title.
The quality of this France squad is breathtaking. Their attacking talent is what draws the headlines, but defensively they boast some incredible players, too. France secured qualification to this year’s tournament winning five and drawing one of their six qualifying games.
The two-times winners are my choice to win the 2026 World Cup. The quality of the squad is unmatched, featuring the best attacking players in world soccer. They are, though, in a reasonably tough Group, with Norway and Senegal also featuring in Group I. If France can top the Group, they’ll have a relatively simple run to the Final. Odds of around +300 are available with a range of sportsbooks for France to reach the World Cup 2026 Final.
France 2026 World Cup Best Bet
It can often be difficult to find betting value when you’re looking to place bets on one of the favorites to win the World Cup. Odds on France to win Group I offer no value whatsoever, especially when you consider it’s quite a tough Group they’ve found themselves in. We’d leave odds of -230 well alone.
We do like the look of a Top Goalscorer bet, though. No, not Kylian Mbappe, although the Real Madrid star does have a fantastic World Cup goalscoring record. Instead, we’re looking at Ballon d’Or winner Ousmane Dembele. The PSG man is priced at around +2000 to finish as World Cup top goalscorer.
However, for our France 2026 World Cup Best Bet we’re keeping it simple. We think France will win the World Cup. Yes, they’ll have challenges but the strength in depth this France squad possesses is mouthwatering. There’s very few sides who will be able to cope with the prowess of Didier Deschamps’ side.
France Best Bet. France to Win the 2026 World Cup
France 2026 World Cup Players to Watch
Kylian Mbappe: Mbappe is certainly the man most likely to. He’s enjoyed successful goalscoring World Cup campaigns, with an overall record of 12 goals in just 14 matches. At the time of writing, Mbappe had scored 41 goals in 41 games for his club side Real Madrid in all competitions during the 25/26 season. If France are to win this year’s World Cup, we expect Mbappe to be one of the driving forces behind it. Most sportsbooks have Mbappe as favorite for Top Goalscorer with odds of around +600. He’s also the clear favorite to be France’s top goalscorer, with odds of -115 available with many sportsbooks.
Michael Olise: In truth, we could name any of France’s attacking players in this section. One in particular we’re looking forward to watching is Olise. Since his move to Bayern Munich, Olise has become one of the most exciting wingers in world soccer. For his club in the 25/26 season, Olise has 51 goal involvements in just 50 games. If the Bayern star can take this form into the World Cup, we’re in for a treat. Olise is amongst the favorites to win Player of the Tournament, with odds of around +1000 available.
Rayan Cherki: While we expect Ousmane Dembele to play a key role for France in this year’s World Cup, we’re excited to see what Cherki can do on the world’s biggest stage. Cherki has brought excitement and skill to the English Premier League with his club Manchester City. He may not be a starter for France in every game, but he certainly has the potential to light up this World Cup.
France World Cup History
France have won the World Cup on two occasions. Their first World Cup trophy was won in 1998, where France hosted the competition. Their most recent win came in 2018, defeating Croatia in the Final.
In addition to winning the World Cup, France have reached the Final on two other occasions. In 2006, they were defeated on penalties by Italy. In 2022, France played Argentina in what was one of the most intense World Cup matches in history. Again, France were defeated on penalties. In the last five tournaments, France have reached three Finals, one Quarter Final and has one knockout in the Group Stage (2010).
Photo Credit: AP/Nick Wass
