Team Overview
France remain among the favorites for any tournament they enter. Les Bleus won the 2018 World Cup in Russia and reached the 2022 final in Qatar, where Kylian Mbappé's hat trick in the final nearly pulled off the greatest comeback in World Cup history before Argentina won on penalties.
Mbappé, now at Real Madrid, is the undisputed talisman of this squad and enters the 2026 World Cup in his prime at 27. The supporting cast is equally impressive, with Antoine Griezmann providing experience and tactical intelligence.
In Group I with Senegal, Iraq, and Norway, France are heavy favorites but face a genuine death group. Haaland's Norway and a resurgent Senegal make this the most dangerous group in the tournament for the world's top-ranked side.
Key Players
Kylian Mbappé
Forward
Real Madrid
Antoine Griezmann
Forward
Atlético Madrid
Aurélien Tchouaméni
Midfielder
Real Madrid
William Saliba
Defender
Arsenal
Mike Maignan
Goalkeeper
AC Milan
Tipping Culture Back Home
In France, a 15% service charge ("service compris") is included by law in all restaurant bills. Additional tipping is not expected but a small gesture for excellent service is appreciated.
- The service charge is already included in French restaurant prices—you're never obligated to tip more.
- Leaving 1–2 euros at a café or 5–10% at a nice restaurant for exceptional service is a kind gesture.
- Taxi drivers appreciate a 5–10% tip or rounding up to the nearest euro.
- Hotel porters typically receive €1–2 per bag.
- Tipping in France is about appreciation, not obligation—a stark contrast to the US.
Tipping at the World Cup
In France, service is included by law. In the US, it's not — you tip separately, and 18–20% is expected at every sit-down meal. Don't assume the price includes service.
- Restaurants: 18–20% on top of what you see on the menu. No 'service compris' in the US.
- Bars: $1–2 per drink. At Canadian venues, same range.
- Rideshares: Tip 15–20% through Uber/Lyft app after the ride.
- Hotel: $3–5/night housekeeping, $2/bag bellhop.
- The key mental shift: 'service compris' does not exist in North America. Every service worker relies on tips as a significant part of their income.
Quick rule: When in doubt at any US venue, tip 20% at restaurants, $1–2 per drink at bars, and 18–20% for taxis/rideshares. You can't go wrong.
World Cup History
- World Cup winners: 1998, 2018 (2 titles)
- Runners-up: 2006, 2022
- France hosted and won the 1998 tournament with Zinedine Zidane starring
- Mbappé became the second teenager (after Pelé) to score in a World Cup final in 2018
- France's 2022 final against Argentina is widely considered the greatest World Cup final ever played
Related Teams
Traveling to Watch France?
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