World Cup 2023: All you need to know about France

Despite considerable off-field issues, France head to the World Cup hoping they can improve on previous appearances. 

After losing out to eventual winners the USA in the quarter-finals four years ago, Les Bleues have steadily built a talented squad. 

Despite injuries to key players and a recent coaching change, they remain hopeful of a strong run in 2023.

France's group stage fixtures and UK kick-off times

France vs Jamaica (Sunday, July 23, 11am) 

France vs Brazil (Saturday, July 29, 11am) 

Panama vs France (Wednesday, August 2, 11am)

How France qualified for Australia and New Zealand 2023

Qualification was a stroll for France, who won all 10 of their fixtures and topped their group with a goal difference of 50. 

They beat Wales, Slovenia, Greece, Estonia and Kazakhstan — with notable wins coming against Greece (10-0) and Estonia (11-0). 

Striker Marie-Antoinette Katoto was the leading scorer of France's qualifying campaign with 10 goals but an ACL injury has ruled her out of the tournament.

Predicted XI

GK: Pauline Peyraud-Magnin
RB: Eve Perisset
CB: Elisa De Almeida
CB: Wendie Renard
LB: Selma Bacha
CDM: Sandie Toletti
CM: Kenza Dali
CM: Amel Majri
RW: Viviane Asseyi
ST: Eugenie Le Sommer
LW: Clara Mateo

Star player: Wendie Renard

After announcing she would not go to the World Cup to protect her mental health, Wendie Renard’s return to the squad is a massive boost for France. 

Renard, 32, is a composed and confident ball-playing centre-back, acting as a passing hub from deep. 

Defensively, she towers over opponents at 6ft 2in, making her a force when contesting aerial duels in both boxes.

One to watch: Selma Bacha

Selma Bacha has already cemented herself as one of the stars of women’s football and is a remarkable creative force. 

She helped Lyon to another Division 1 Feminine title last season, scoring two goals and assisting nine in 12 starts for the champions. 

Bacha, 22, played a bit-part role at the Euros last summer but should get her opportunity to shine on the world stage this time around.

The boss: Herve Renard

After a breakdown in the relationship between former France manager Corinne Diacre and several players, the 48-year-old was sacked and replaced by Herve Renard. 

Renard has enjoyed a successful career at international level, winning the African Cup of Nations twice before guiding Saudi Arabia to an impressive showing at the last men's World Cup. 

Expectations for France will be high given the talent they possess, despite their injuries, and they will expect to go deep this summer.

France's official 23-player World Cup squad

Goalkeepers: Constance Picaud (Paris Saint-Germain), Solene Durand (Guingamp), Pauline Peyraud-Magnin (Juventus).

Defenders: Wendie Renard (Lyon), Selma Bacha (Lyon), Estelle Cascarino (Paris Saint-Germain), Elisa De Almeida (Paris Saint-Germain), Sakina Karchaoui (Paris Saint-Germain) Maelle Lakrar (Montpellier), Eve Perisset (Chelsea).

Midfielders: Kenza Dali (Aston Villa), Laurina Fazer (Paris Saint-Germain), Grace Geyoro (Paris Saint-Germain), Amandine Henry (Angel City), Lea Le Garrec (Fleury), Amel Majri (Lyon), Sandie Toletti (Real Madrid).

Forwards: Viviane Asseyi (West Ham), Kadidiatou Diani (unattached), Naomie Feller (Real Madrid), Eugenie Le Sommer (Lyon), Clara Mateo (Paris FC).

All information correct as of July 12