How Many Times Has France Reached the FIFA World Cup Semi-Finals? France have established themselves as one of the most consistent teams in FIFA World Cup history. After defeating Morocco in the FIFA World Cup 2026 quarter-finals, Les Bleus booked their place in the semi-finals for the third consecutive edition and the eighth time overall. Didier Deschamps’ side will now face Spain for a place in the final as they continue their pursuit of a third FIFA World Cup title.
France National Football Team vs Spain National Football Team Live
France vs Spain Live Football Score: Â FIFA World Cup 2026 Semi-Final follow Live
How many times have France reached the FIFA World Cup semi-finals?
As of the FIFA World Cup 2026, France have reached the FIFA World Cup semi-finals eight times. They first achieved the feat in 1958 and have since become one of only a handful of nations to make multiple appearances in the last four. France have also reached the semi-finals in three consecutive World Cups (2018, 2022 and 2026), underlining their dominance on the global stage.
France’s FIFA World Cup semi-final appearances
1958 – Lost 5-2 to Brazil (Finished third)
1982 – Lost to West Germany on penalties after a 3-3 draw
1986 – Defeated Belgium 4-2 after extra time → Finished third
1998 – Defeated Croatia 2-1 → Champions
2006 – Defeated Portugal 1-0 → Runners-up
2018 – Defeated Belgium 1-0 → Champions
2022 – Defeated Morocco 2-0 → Runners-up
2026 – Qualified for the semi-finals after defeating Morocco in the quarter-finals
France’s record in FIFA World Cup semi-finals
Before the FIFA World Cup 2026 semi-final against Spain, France have played seven World Cup semi-finals, winning five and losing two. Victories in 1986, 1998, 2006, 2018 and 2022 helped Les Bleus reach the final on each occasion, while defeats came against Brazil in 1958 and West Germany in the dramatic 1982 encounter.
Appearances: 8
Semi-final wins: 5
Semi-final defeats: 2 (before the 2026 semi-final)
World Cup titles: 2 (1998, 2018)
Runners-up finishes: 2 (2006, 2022)
Can France reach another FIFA World Cup final?
France head into the 2026 semi-final against Spain aiming to qualify for a fourth World Cup final in the last eight editions. With an experienced squad and a proven knockout-stage record under Didier Deschamps, Les Bleus will be confident of extending their impressive run. Victory over Spain would send France into their third consecutive FIFA World Cup final and sixth overall.
