France's record in FIFA World Cup semi-finals: Wins, losses and complete history

Les Bleus booked their place in the semi-final of the World Cup 2026.

France have four victories and three losses in seven FIFA World Cup semi-finals.

They have recently extended their outstanding historic consistency by qualifying for the semi-final of the FIFA World Cup for the eighth time. Their whole match history is divided into two eras: an early time of grief, followed by total domination in recent decades.

France’s record in the FIFA World Cup semi-finals

• Appearances: 7
• Wins: 4
• Defeats: 3

FIFA World Cup 1958: Sweden

Defeat: France 2-5 Brazil

Les Bleus finished third at the FIFA World Cup 1958 in Sweden. The tournament is most recognised for striker Just Fontaine. He established an all-time World Cup record by scoring 13 goals in just six games.

They were knocked out in the semifinals by eventual champions Brazil (2-5).

FIFA World Cup 1982: Spain

Defeat: West Germany 1-1 France (5-4 pens)

At the FIFA World Cup 1982 in Spain, France placed fourth. The most well-known memory of their campaign is their thrilling semi-final defeat to West Germany. It resulted in a 3-3 tie and the first-ever penalty shootout in World Cup history.

West Germany equalised to 3-3 and won the penalty shootout 5-4, after a 3-1 French advantage in extra time.

FIFA World Cup 1986: Mexico

Defeat: France 0-2 West Germany

Despite losing to West Germany in the semifinals, they recovered to win the bronze medal. They defeated Belgium 4-2 in extra time in the third-place match. Jean-Pierre Papin and Michel Platini were among the team’s legendary players.

FIFA World Cup 1998: France

Win: France 2-1 Croatia

France clinched the FIFA World Cup 1998 on its home turf, crushing Brazil 3-0 in the final at the Stade de France. Zinedine Zidane scored two headers. Emmanuel Petit added a third to secure Les Bleus’ first World Cup victory.

FIFA World Cup 2006: Germany

Win: Portugal 0-1 France

Zinedine Zidane’s outstanding performances and his notorious red card in the final served as the tournament’s high points. They lost to Italy 5–3 on penalties after a 1-1 draw in regular time.

They defeated Portugal (1-0) in the semifinals, overthrew reigning champions Brazil (1-0) in the quarterfinals, and ousted Spain (3-1) in the Round of 16.

FIFA World Cup 2018: Russia

Win: Belgium 1-2 France

The World Cup 2018 was one of Les Bleus’ best performances. They cruised to a victory and beat Croatia in the final to win their first ever World Cup since 1998.

Their path to the final saw them beat some big giants; additionally, they also maintained an excellent semi-final record in the tournament by beating Belgium 2-1 to secure a place in the final.

FIFA World Cup 2022: Qatar

Win: Morocco 0-2 France

Les Bleus placed second in the FIFA World Cup 2022 in Qatar. They lost a historic final to Argentina on penalties after a dramatic 3-3 draw. They entered the competition as the reigning champions.

They played African power Morocco in the semi-finals and comfortably defeated them 2-0. Goals from Theo Hernández and Randal Kolo Muani ended Morocco’s historic run.

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