France's roster is absurd — $16.4 billion in squad value, Griezmann didn't make the cut, and the rejects would start for most nations. But history says France's biggest opponent wears the same jersey.

When your rejects would start for most nations, you're playing a different game.

The Setup

France landed in Group I alongside Senegal, Iraq, and Norway. Manager Didier Deschamps — World Cup winner as player (1998) and coach (2018) — runs a tight 4-2-3-1:

CBs: William Saliba + Dayot Upamecano
DMs: Aurélien Tchouaméni + N'Golo Kanté
AMs: Adrien Rabiot and Rayan Cherki
Front three: Mbappé, Ousmane Dembélé (reigning Ballon d'Or), Michael Olise

The Schedule

Date	Opponent	The Storyline
June 17	Senegal	Rematch of the 2002 opener when Senegal stunned France's golden generation
June 23	Iraq	Organized defense and sharp counters — France should cruise
June 27	Norway	Mbappé vs Haaland. Two of the three best players on earth.

If Saliba isn't fit for the opener, Senegal has a real shot at an upset.

The Real Problem

France's talent is never the question. It's the chemistry.

Infighting scandals at Euro 2020. Player cliques, leaked stories, mothers confronting each other in the stands — the full reality TV package. Deschamps' job isn't really about tactics. It's about keeping 26 multi-millionaire egos pointed in the same direction.

The midfield is also thinner than it looks. If Kanté or Tchouaméni picks up an injury, the drop-off is significant — and there's no natural deep-lying playmaker in the squad.

Prediction

France should win this group — probably with 7 or even 9 points. They should reach the semifinals.

But "should" and "France at a World Cup" have a complicated relationship. The only opponent France can't out-talent is their own locker room.

Key Takeaways

The Setup

The Schedule

The Real Problem

Prediction

Frequently Asked Questions

What is France's World Cup 2026 squad value?

Who did France leave out of the 2026 World Cup squad?

Who is in France's World Cup 2026 group?

What formation does Didier Deschamps use for France?

Why is France considered vulnerable despite their talent?

world cup group stage

France's $16 Billion Squad Has One Fatal Flaw — Themselves