France's shocking 2-1 loss to Ivory Coast broke a 16-year streak, and exposed a concerning pattern ahead of the 2026 World Cup.

France are one victory from extending one of the most extraordinary eras of World Cup dominance, with a third successive final and a fifth ​appearance in the showpiece match in eight tournaments within reach when they face Spain on Tuesday.

Kylian Mbappe closed in on Lionel Messi’s all-time World Cup goalscoring record as France swept past Sweden 3-0 in New York. Mbappe struck twice at MetLife Stadium to take his World Cup knockout-stage tally to 10,

Spain meet France in the last 16 of the 2006 World Cup. Watch more classic World Cup matches on BBC iPlayer. Available to UK users only.

Kylian Mbappé embraced everyone and said he was "very happy" after guiding France into a third straight World Cup semi-final but they will not be fully satisfied until they get the trophy. "The secret to this France team?

France face Spain again on Tuesday (9 p.m.) in the World Cup semi-finals, after suffering their dominance in 2025 and 2024. But this time, the duel looks different. Everyone knows each other,

This World Cup has been a big one for the top goal scorers. Almost every game it feels like some of the greatest soccer players of all time are vying to up their rankings in the top World Cup goal scorers of all time.

France, Spain, Argentina, and England will compete for the right to play for a World Cup title beginning Tuesday. Tournament favorites France and Spain kick off the festivities on Tuesday, while Argentina and England wrap up the semifinal round of competition on Wednesday.