How to Watch France in the 2026 FIFA World Cup: Next Match, Kickoff, Channels and Streaming Options

France's Next FIFA World Cup 2026 Match Details

The opening group stage fixture for France in the 2026 FIFA World Cup will see them face off against Senegal at the renowned MetLife Stadium. Given this is Les Bleus' tournament debut and features two strong football nations, expect broad coverage across both free-to-air and premium TV platforms.

Group I Opponents and Schedule

• June 16: Senegal at MetLife Stadium, East Rutherford, NJ – 21:00 CEST
• June 22: Iraq at Philadelphia Stadium, PA – 23:00 CEST
• June 26: Norway at Boston Stadium, Foxborough, MA – 21:00 CEST

Broadcasting Rights in France

The 2026 World Cup marks a major change in how matches are broadcast in France. After nearly five decades, TF1 will not air any games. Instead, rights are split between a new free-to-air broadcaster and a premium subscription service.

Free-to-Air Coverage

• M6: Exclusively holds free-to-air rights, showing 54 matches live on terrestrial TV.
• M6+: Offers all 54 matches streamed live and free via their digital app, ideal for mobile viewers and cord-cutters.

Subscription Service

• beIN SPORTS: The exclusive home for all 104 matches. While sharing 54 games with M6, beIN SPORTS broadcasts the other 50 matches exclusively.
• beIN SPORTS CONNECT: Provides subscribers with multi-screen viewing, replays, and alternate camera angles through its streaming app.

Watching on FuboTV

Fubo offers a solid alternative for fans wanting comprehensive access without cable. It streams official feeds including FOX, FS1, Telemundo, and Universo depending on your region, allowing you to catch French games in English or Spanish.

• Some games broadcast in 4K HDR for crystal-clear visuals.
• Cloud DVR lets you record matches to watch later if kickoff conflicts with your schedule.
• Streams on multiple devices simultaneously.
• New users can try it free with a trial period during the group stage.

If traveling abroad, using a premium VPN connected to your home country server may be necessary to access your usual channels due to geo-restrictions.

France's Road to the 2026 World Cup

After pushing Argentina to penalties in the 2022 final, France returns with fresh ambition. This squad blends experienced leaders like captain Kylian Mbappé with explosive younger talents. The campaign symbolizes a transitional phase aiming to restore France as football’s elite.

The qualification run was dominant: five wins, one draw, no losses. Mbappé led with five goals, shining as the top scorer for his nation in qualifiers. Under manager Didier Deschamps, in charge since 2012, the team showed tactical discipline and resilience.

Deschamps favors a pragmatic system relying on swift transitions and strong defense. Players like Bradley Barcola, Ousmane Dembélé, and Michael Olise provide technical flair. While effective, this approach faces tests against the tough defenses of Group I rivals.

FAQs About France in the 2026 World Cup

• Which group is France in? Group I, alongside Senegal, Iraq, and Norway.
• When is France's first match? June 16th versus Senegal.
• Where is France based for the tournament? Salt Lake City, Utah.
• Who are the key players? Captain Kylian Mbappé leads the squad, joined by Ousmane Dembélé, Michael Olise, and defender William Saliba.
• Who broadcasts the World Cup in France? M6 covers 54 matches free-to-air, while beIN Sports shows all 104 games live via pay-TV.
• How many times has France qualified? Including 2026, France has appeared 17 times, winning twice and reaching two finals in the last three tournaments.