France's record in FIFA World Cup third-place match: Wins, losses and complete history

France will make their fourth appearance in a FIFA World Cup third-place game.

One of the most successful teams in the FIFA World Cup, France won the tournament for the last time in 2018 after beating Croatia 4-2 in the final. Les Bleus, under Didier Deschamps, also reached the final of the 2022 FIFA World Cup but eventually lost against Argentina on penalties.

However, the two-time champions have been the traditional giants in the tournament, like Italy and Brazil. They played their first final in 1998, where they defeated the Selecao to win their maiden title in the global tournament.

In 2006, they faced Italy in the summit clash; which is also famous for Zinedine Zidane’s headbutt and red card. However, they lost to Azzurri on penalties. At the 2026 FIFA World Cup, Didier Deschamps’ last tournament as Les Bleus’ head coach, France were seen as the hot favourites.

However, courtesy of their 2-0 loss to Spain in the semifinals, they will be playing in the third-place game. Les Bleus have reached the semifinals of the World Cup on eight occasions, winning four and losing four.

Also Read: List of players who have won multiple FIFA World Cup trophies

France’s record in World Cup third-place game

• Appearances: 3
• Wins: 2
• Defeats: 1

1. 1958: France 6-3 West Germany

France secured their then-best ever finish in the FIFA World Cup by beating West Germany in the third-place game. French football icon Just Fontaine scored a stellar total of 13 goals in the single FIFA World Cup campaign to steer Les Bleus to the astounding milestone.

2. 1982: France 2-3 Poland

The two-time champions suffered a 3-2 defeat to Poland in the third-place game at the 1982 World Cup. They arrived at the game after losing to West Germany in the semifinals; thus, France decided to rest their big players in the pre-final.

3. 1986: France 4-2 Belgium

After reaching the semi-finals of the FIFA World Cup for two consecutive editions, the French side ended up on the wrong side yet again. However, Les Bleus eventually defeated the Red Devils 4-2 in the extra time to finish third in the tournament for the second time.

For more updates, follow Khel Now on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Youtube; download the Khel Now Android App or IOS App and join our community on Whatsapp & Telegram.