Pavard piledriver punishes valiant Ireland

A second half piledriver from Benjamin Pavard was enough for France to scrape past a valiant Irish side that finished the game on top with a world class save from Mike Maignan denying Nathan Collins a equalising header moments from full time at the Aviva Stadium.

Read more

Didier Deschamps extends contract as France coach to 2026

Didier Deschamps has extended his contract as France head coach until June 2026 and is expected to remain in charge for a fourth World Cup. He led France to World Cup victory in 2018 and to the 2022 final in Qatar, which they lost to Argentina on penalties.

Read more

Karim Benzema announces international retirement

France striker Karim Benzema has announced his retirement from international football – on his 35th birthday – a day after Les Bleus lost against Argentina on penalties in the World Cup final. The Ballon d’Or winner, who scored 37 times in 97 appearances, was expected to lead the line for France in Qatar but missed the tournament after sustaining a thigh injury in training the day before it started.

Read more

Argentina edge France on penalties in epic World Cup Final

ionel Messi finally achieved his World Cup dream as Argentina won their third crown on penalties following one of the greatest finals in the tournament’s history at Lusail Stadium. Argentina won the shootout 4-2 after a spectacular game which developed into the much-anticipated confrontation between Messi and Mbappe, the Frenchman scoring a hat-trick but still ended up on the losing side.

Read more

Formidable France end Moroccan dreams to reach World Cup final

France were pushed all the way by World Cup wild cards Morocco before the holders sealed a place in Sunday’s final against Argentina. Theo Hernández gave the defending champions the lead after just five minutes but the Atlas Lions regrouped and tested Les Bleus before substitute Randal Kolo Muani put the result beyond doubt.

Read more