Ahead of Friday's 2026 World Cup draw, AFP Sport runs the rule over the leading contenders at the first-ever 48-team finals to take place across North America next June and July.

How are the 2026 World Cup favourites shaping up?

FIFA revealed on Tuesday that the top four seeded nations at the 2026 World Cup will occupy two separate halves of the draw for the expanded 48-team tournament, meaning they could avoid facing each other until the semifinal stage.

FIFA to keep top seeds apart in expanded 2026 World Cup draw

France will warm up for next year's World Cup by meeting Brazil and Colombia in two friendly internationals in the United States next March, French Football Federation president Philippe Diallo announced on Friday.

France to face Brazil and Colombia in March

A second-string French side overcome a nervous start to beat Azerbaijan 3-1 away on Sunday and wrap up their World Cup campaign after having already qualified.

Reserve France side end qualifying campaign with win in Azerbaijan

Kylian Mbappe has left his France squad and returned to Madrid to receive treatment for an ankle injury, the French Football Federation said on Friday.



Mbappe leaves France squad due to ankle injury

France beat Ukraine 4-0 on Thursday to secure qualification for the 2026 World Cup finals.

Mbappe, Olise star as France seal spot at 2026 World Cup

The penultimate round of European qualifiers for the 2026 World Cup takes place on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday.

Who can qualify for 2026 World Cup in next round of European qualifiers

Tottenham Hotspur striker Randal Kolo Muani has withdrawn from the France squad for this month's World Cup qualifiers after suffering a jaw injury in Saturday's 2-2 draw with Manchester United, the French Football Federation (FFF) said.

Tottenham's Kolo Muani pulls out of France squad due to jaw injury

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Highlights from the match between France and Croatia which took place at Stade de France

France v Croatia | Match Highlights | UEFA Nations League

Highlights from the match between Croatia and France which took place at Stadion Poljud.

Croatia v France | Match Highlights | UEFA Nations League

Highlights from the match between Italy and France which took place at the Stadio San Siro

Italy v France | Match Highlights | UEFA Nations League

Highlights from the match between France and Israel which took place at Stade de France, Saint-Denis.

France v Israel | Match Highlights | UEFA Nations League

Highlights from the match between Belgium and France which took place at King Baudouin Stadium, Belgium.

Belgium v France | Match Highlights | UEFA Nations League

Highlights from the match between Israel and France which took place in Bozsik Arena

Israel v France | Match Highlights | UEFA Nations League

Highlights from the match between France and Belgium which took place at Groupama Stadium Lyon

France v Belgium | Match Highlights | UEFA Nations League

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