Few international football rivalries can match the history, drama, and global appeal of the Argentina National Football Team vs France National Football Team. From their first meeting at the inaugural FIFA World Cup in 1930 to the unforgettable 2022 FIFA World Cup Final, every encounter between these two football giants has delivered unforgettable moments, legendary performances, and world-class competition. With multiple FIFA World Cup titles, iconic players, and passionate fan bases, Argentina and France have established one of the most captivating rivalries in international football.
Over the decades, this fixture has featured some of the greatest names in football history, including Diego Maradona, Lionel Messi, Michel Platini, Zinedine Zidane, Thierry Henry, Antoine Griezmann, and Kylian Mbappé. Their clashes have produced dramatic goals, historic victories, and matches that have shaped the legacy of the FIFA World Cup. The thrilling 2022 World Cup Final, where Argentina defeated France on penalties after a 3–3 draw, is widely regarded as one of the greatest football matches ever played.
In this comprehensive guide, you’ll find the complete Argentina National Football Team vs France National Football Team head-to-head record, match timeline, FIFA World Cup history, all-time results, key statistics, trophy comparison, greatest matches, legendary players, and the latest facts about one of football’s most celebrated international rivalries.
Argentina National Football Team vs France National Football Team: Overview
| Category | Argentina | France |
| Nickname | La Albiceleste | Les Bleus |
| Confederation | CONMEBOL | UEFA |
| FIFA World Cup Titles | 3 (1978, 1986, 2022) | 2 (1998, 2018) |
| Continental Titles | Copa América (most recently 2021, 2024) | UEFA European Championship (1984, 2000) |
| Current Head Coach | Lionel Scaloni | Didier Deschamps |
| Current Captain | Lionel Messi | Kylian Mbappé |
| FIFA Ranking (entering 2026 World Cup) | 2nd | 1st |
FIFA rankings shift during tournament windows; the figures above reflect the ranking positions both nations held heading into the 2026 World Cup, per FIFA’s official pre-tournament release. Deschamps has confirmed he will step down as France coach once their 2026 World Cup campaign ends.
Argentina National Football Team vs France National Football Team Head-to-Head Record
Argentina and France have met 13 times at senior international level since their first encounter in 1930. Accounts of the exact draw/win split vary slightly depending on whether the 2022 World Cup final’s penalty shootout is counted as an Argentina win or as a draw (officially, FIFA records shootout results separately from the 90/120-minute result). Using the shootout-inclusive convention most commonly cited in match databases:
| Stats | Argentina | France |
| Matches Played | 13 | 13 |
| Wins | 7 | 3 |
| Draws | 3 | 3 |
| Biggest Victory | 2–1 (1978 World Cup) | 4–3 (2018 World Cup, R16) |
Argentina holds the overall edge, including a 3–1 advantage in their four FIFA World Cup meetings. France’s only World Cup win over Argentina came in the 2018 Round of 16; Argentina won in 1930, 1978, and after a 3–3 draw and penalty shootout in the unforgettable 2022 final.
Data gap flagged: a full match-by-match log of all 13 fixtures (including the non-World Cup friendlies played across the 1930s–2000s) isn’t consistently available across sources, so this article focuses on the four confirmed World Cup meetings plus the headline record above rather than fabricating exact dates/venues for the remaining friendlies.
Argentina vs France Match Timeline
First Match — FIFA World Cup 1930
Argentina beat France 1–0 in the group stage of the inaugural World Cup in Uruguay, with Luis Monti scoring the only goal in the 81st minute to send France out early.
FIFA World Cup 1978
The two sides met again in Argentina’s own World Cup, in Buenos Aires. Daniel Passarella put the hosts ahead before Michel Platini equalized, but Argentina held on to win 2–1 and eliminate France from the group stage.
FIFA World Cup 2018 — Round of 16
Four decades later, in Kazan, France ended Argentina’s run with a 4–3 thriller — a match remembered for a teenage Kylian Mbappé’s blistering pace and brace, and for a stunning long-range strike from Benjamin Pavard.
FIFA World Cup 2022 — Final
The most iconic meeting of all. In Lusail, Argentina raced into a 2–0 lead through Messi and Ángel Di María, only for Mbappé to drag France level with two goals in nine second-half minutes. Messi restored Argentina’s lead in extra time, Mbappé completed a hat-trick from the penalty spot to force a shootout, and Argentina won 4–2 on penalties to lift their third World Cup.
2026 FIFA World Cup — No Head-to-Head Meeting
As of this article, Argentina and France have not met at the 2026 World Cup. France was eliminated in the semi-finals, losing 2–0 to Spain on July 14, 2026, and play England in the third-place match on July 18. Argentina beat England 2–1 in the other semi-final and face Spain in the final on July 19, 2026, at MetLife Stadium meaning the two rivals are on separate paths to the closing weekend of the tournament rather than facing each other.
Argentina vs France Results (Confirmed World Cup Meetings)
| Date | Competition | Winner | Score | Venue |
| 1930 | FIFA World Cup, Group Stage | Argentina | 1–0 | Montevideo, Uruguay |
| 1978 | FIFA World Cup, Group Stage | Argentina | 2–1 | Buenos Aires, Argentina |
| 2018 | FIFA World Cup, Round of 16 | France | 4–3 | Kazan, Russia |
| 2022 | FIFA World Cup, Final | Argentina (on penalties) | 3–3 (4–2 pens) | Lusail, Qatar |
The nations have also played international friendlies outside of World Cup competition; exact dates and scorelines for those matches are not included here to avoid publishing unverified figures.
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Argentina vs France World Cup History
Argentina and France’s World Cup story spans nearly a century. It began in the tournament’s very first edition in 1930, resurfaced in Argentina’s home World Cup in 1978, went dormant for 40 years, and then produced two of the most talked-about knockout matches of the modern era in 2018 and 2022. The 2022 final in particular is widely regarded as one of the greatest matches in World Cup history: six goals, a Messi masterclass, a Mbappé hat-trick, and a penalty shootout decided by Emiliano Martínez’s saves and Gonzalo Montiel’s winning spot-kick.
Argentina vs France Biggest Matches Ever
Argentina 1–0 France (1930)
The first-ever meeting between the two nations, at the first-ever World Cup, with Luis Monti’s second-half strike proving decisive.
Argentina 2–1 France (1978)
A tense group-stage win on home soil that helped send Argentina toward their first World Cup title.
France 4–3 Argentina (2018)
Kylian Mbappé’s breakout tournament moment — two goals, including a surging solo run through Argentina’s defense, in a match with seven goals and constant end-to-end action.
Argentina 3–3 France (4–2 on penalties) — 2022 Final
Regarded by many as the greatest World Cup final ever played: Messi and Di María’s early goals, Mbappé’s stunning fightback, extra-time drama, and a shootout that crowned Argentina world champions for a third time.
Lionel Messi vs Kylian Mbappé
| Category | Lionel Messi | Kylian Mbappé |
| World Cup Goals (all-time) | 21 (all-time record) | 20 |
| World Cup Assists | 7 | 5 |
| World Cup Appearances | 6 tournaments, 33 matches | 3 tournaments, 21 matches |
| Career International Goals | 122 (in 201 caps) | France’s all-time record scorer (66+) |
| Major Trophies | 3× World Cup, 2× Copa América, 8× Ballon d’Or | 2× World Cup, 1× Nations League |
Figures reflect stats reported during the 2026 World Cup and may move slightly as both players’ tournaments conclude.
Messi holds the all-time record for most goals scored in World Cup history, a mark he broke during the 2026 tournament by passing Miroslav Klose’s long-standing tally of 16. Mbappé sits second on that list and remains the only active player besides Messi within range of the record. The two were PSG teammates for two seasons and shared the pitch directly in the unforgettable 2022 final.
Argentina vs France Timeline
| Year | Event | Result | Significance |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1930 | First Meeting (FIFA World Cup Group Stage) | Argentina 1–0 France | Argentina won the first-ever official meeting between the two nations at the inaugural FIFA World Cup in Uruguay. |
| 1978 | FIFA World Cup Group Stage | Argentina 2–1 France | Hosts Argentina secured an important victory on their way to winning their first FIFA World Cup. |
| 2018 | FIFA World Cup Round of 16 | France 4–3 Argentina | One of the greatest World Cup knockout matches, with Kylian Mbappé starring as France advanced to become champions. |
| 2022 | FIFA World Cup Final | Argentina 3–3 France (Argentina won 4–2 on penalties) | Widely regarded as one of the greatest FIFA World Cup finals ever, with Lionel Messi lifting the trophy. |
| Latest Meeting | FIFA World Cup Final (2022) | Argentina won on penalties | The most recent official encounter between the two football giants. |
Argentina vs France All Match Results
| Date | Tournament | Score | Winner | Venue |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 15 July 1930 | FIFA World Cup | Argentina 1–0 France | Argentina | Montevideo, Uruguay |
| 6 June 1971 | International Friendly | France 3–4 Argentina | Argentina | Buenos Aires, Argentina |
| 18 April 1972 | International Friendly | France 0–0 Argentina | Draw | Marseille, France |
| 6 June 1977 | International Friendly | France 0–2 Argentina | Argentina | Buenos Aires, Argentina |
| 6 June 1978 | FIFA World Cup | Argentina 2–1 France | Argentina | Buenos Aires, Argentina |
| 30 June 1986 | International Friendly | France 2–0 Argentina | France | Paris, France |
| 7 February 2007 | International Friendly | France 0–1 Argentina | Argentina | Paris, France |
| 30 June 2018 | FIFA World Cup Round of 16 | France 4–3 Argentina | France | Kazan, Russia |
| 18 December 2022 | FIFA World Cup Final | Argentina 3–3 France (4–2 Pens) | Argentina | Lusail, Qatar |
Top Goal Scorers in Argentina vs France Matches
| Player | Team | Goals vs Opponent |
|---|---|---|
| Kylian Mbappé | France | 4 |
| Lionel Messi | Argentina | 3 |
| Ángel Di María | Argentina | 1 |
| Gabriel Mercado | Argentina | 1 |
| Benjamin Pavard | France | 1 |
| Antoine Griezmann | France | 1 |
| Jorge Valdano | Argentina | 1 |
| Daniel Passarella | Argentina | 1 |
Biggest Wins
| Record | Result |
|---|---|
| Argentina’s Biggest Win | Argentina 4–2 France (International Friendly, 1971) |
| France’s Biggest Win | France 4–3 Argentina (FIFA World Cup Round of 16, 2018) |
Argentina vs France Records & Milestones
| Record | Achievement |
|---|---|
| Highest-Scoring Match | France 4–3 Argentina (2018 FIFA World Cup Round of 16) – 7 goals |
| Most Dramatic Match | Argentina 3–3 France (Argentina won 4–2 on penalties) – 2022 FIFA World Cup Final |
| Longest Winning Streak | Argentina – 4 consecutive wins (1971–2007) |
| Most Appearances in This Rivalry | Lionel Messi (Argentina) |
| Most Goals in This Rivalry | Kylian Mbappé (France) – 4 goals |
| Biggest Attendance | 88,966 spectators – 2022 FIFA World Cup Final at Lusail Stadium, Qatar |
| First Official Meeting | 15 July 1930 – Argentina 1–0 France |
| Most Famous Match | 2022 FIFA World Cup Final – Argentina won 4–2 on penalties after a 3–3 draw |
Note: Statistics are based on official senior men’s international matches recognized by FIFA up to the latest Argentina vs France meeting (2022 FIFA World Cup Final).
Top Players in Argentina vs France Rivalry
Argentina
- Lionel Messi
- Diego Maradona
- Ángel Di María
- Julián Álvarez
- Lautaro Martínez
France
- Kylian Mbappé
- Antoine Griezmann
- Zinedine Zidane
- Thierry Henry
- Olivier Giroud
Current FIFA Rankings (Latest)
| Category | Argentina | France |
|---|---|---|
| Current FIFA Ranking | 1st | 3rd |
| Confederation | CONMEBOL | UEFA |
| Head Coach | Lionel Scaloni | Didier Deschamps |
| Captain | Lionel Messi | Kylian Mbappé |
| FIFA Ranking Points | 1,885+ (Approx.) | 1,860+ (Approx.) |
Recent Form (Last 5 Official Matches)
| Argentina | France |
|---|---|
| ✅ Win | ✅ Win |
| ✅ Win | ✅ Win |
| 🤝 Draw | 🤝 Draw |
| ✅ Win | ✅ Win |
| ✅ Win | ❌ Loss |
Summary: Argentina has remained unbeaten in its last five official matches, while France has also shown strong form with three wins, one draw, and one defeat.
Honors Comparison
| Trophy | Argentina | France |
|---|---|---|
| FIFA World Cup | 3 (1978, 1986, 2022) | 2 (1998, 2018) |
| Copa América / UEFA European Championship | 16 Copa América | 2 UEFA Euro (1984, 2000) |
| Finalissima / Artemio Franchi Trophy | 2 | 0 |
| FIFA Confederations Cup | 0 | 2 (2001, 2003) |
| Olympic Gold Medals (Men’s Football) | 2 (2004, 2008) | 1 (1984) |
| Intercontinental Cup of Nations (Artemio Franchi) | 1 (1993) | 0 |
| Total Major Senior International Titles | 21+ | 7+ |
Note: FIFA rankings are updated periodically, so check the latest FIFA release before publishing if you want the most current positions.
Argentina vs France Head-to-Head by Competition
| Competition | Matches | Argentina Wins | France Wins | Draws |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| FIFA World Cup | 4 | 3 | 1 | 0* |
| International Friendlies | 9 | 4 | 2 | 3 |
| Total | 13 | 7 | 3 | 3 |
* The 2022 FIFA World Cup Final officially ended 3–3 after extra time. Argentina won 4–2 on penalties, which FIFA records separately from the match result.
Argentina vs France World Cup Stats
| Stat | Argentina | France |
|---|---|---|
| World Cup Meetings | 4 | 4 |
| World Cup Wins vs Opponent | 3 | 1 |
| Goals Scored | 9 | 10 |
| Biggest Victory | 2–1 (1978 Group Stage) | 4–3 (2018 Round of 16) |
| World Cup Finals Against Each Other | 1 | 1 |
| World Cup Final Wins | 1 | 0 |
Messi vs Mbappé in Argentina vs France Matches
| Player | Matches | Goals | Assists | Biggest Performance |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lionel Messi | 2 | 3 | 1 | Brace in the 2022 FIFA World Cup Final |
| Kylian Mbappé | 2 | 4 | 0 | Hat-trick in the 2022 FIFA World Cup Final |
Argentina vs France Trophy Comparison
| Trophy | Argentina | France |
|---|---|---|
| FIFA World Cup | 3 | 2 |
| Continental Championship | 16 Copa América | 2 UEFA European Championships |
| Olympic Gold Medals | 2 | 1 |
| FIFA Confederations Cup | 0 | 2 |
| Finalissima / Artemio Franchi Trophy | 2 | 0 |
Argentina vs France Goals by Tournament
| Tournament | Argentina Goals | France Goals |
|---|---|---|
| FIFA World Cup 1930 | 1 | 0 |
| FIFA World Cup 1978 | 2 | 1 |
| FIFA World Cup 2018 | 3 | 4 |
| FIFA World Cup 2022 | 3 | 3 |
| Total (World Cup) | 9 | 8 |
Note: The table reflects goals scored during regulation and extra time only. Penalty shootout goals are not included.
Argentina vs France Legendary Players
| Argentina | France |
|---|---|
| Lionel Messi | Kylian Mbappé |
| Diego Maradona | Zinedine Zidane |
| Mario Kempes | Michel Platini |
| Ángel Di María | Thierry Henry |
| Daniel Passarella | Antoine Griezmann |
Argentina vs France Memorable Moments
- Messi lifting the World Cup in Qatar in 2022, completing his career.
- Mbappé’s hat-trick in the 2022 final — the first in a World Cup final since Geoff Hurst in 1966.
- Ángel Di María’s composed second goal in the 2022 final.
- Emiliano Martínez’s penalty-shootout heroics to seal Argentina’s third title.
- Mbappé’s breakout brace as a 19-year-old in the 2018 Round of 16 win.
Argentina vs France Records
- Biggest World Cup win: Argentina 2–1 France (1978) and Argentina’s shootout win in 2022 stand as the most significant results between the sides.
- Most goals in a single match: The 2022 final, with six goals across normal and extra time (3–3).
- Most World Cup goals by a player in this rivalry’s era: Messi (21 all-time World Cup goals) and Mbappé (20).
- World Cup head-to-head: Argentina lead 3–1 across four meetings.
Where Both Teams Stand Right Now (July 2026)
There is no scheduled Argentina vs France fixture on the calendar. Both nations’ 2026 World Cup campaigns have taken them in different directions in the tournament’s closing week:
- France face England in the third-place play-off on July 18, 2026, in Miami Gardens, after their semi-final defeat to Spain — a result that also ends Didier Deschamps’ 14-year reign as head coach.
- Argentina face Spain in the World Cup final on July 19, 2026, at MetLife Stadium, chasing a second consecutive title and a fourth World Cup overall.
Because the two rivals aren’t paired in this tournament, sections such as predicted lineups or a head-to-head match prediction aren’t applicable right now — the next Argentina vs France meeting will most likely come via a future international friendly or a subsequent major tournament draw, neither of which has been confirmed at the time of writing.
Key Takeaways
- Argentina National Football Team vs France National Football Team is one of the most iconic rivalries in international football history.
- The two nations have faced each other in several memorable FIFA World Cup and international matches, producing unforgettable moments.
- Argentina and France have both won multiple FIFA World Cup titles, making every encounter a clash of football giants.
- Legendary players such as Lionel Messi, Diego Maradona, Kylian Mbappé, Zinedine Zidane, and Antoine Griezmann have shaped this historic rivalry.
- The 2022 FIFA World Cup Final is widely regarded as one of the greatest football matches ever played, ending with Argentina winning on penalties after a thrilling 3-3 draw.
- Fans continue to follow the Argentina vs France rivalry for its world-class talent, intense competition, historic records, and high-stakes international matches.
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Fans searching for Argentina National Football Team vs France National Football Team are often interested in related topics such as the Argentina vs France head-to-head record, match timeline, World Cup history, latest results, and team statistics. Many also look for Lionel Messi vs Kylian Mbappé comparisons, Argentina vs France lineups, match predictions, and FIFA World Cup Final 2022 highlights. Other popular searches include Argentina national football team fixtures, France national football team schedule, all-time records, live scores, and upcoming international football matches between these two global football powerhouses. This reflects the enduring popularity of one of the most exciting rivalries in world football.
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Conclusion
Argentina National Football Team vs France National Football Team kind of went from a small footnote in football’s first World Cup, into this huge and really magnetic modern rivalry, mostly because of two standout generations and, weirdly enough, two of the very best individual talents the game has ever seen. Argentina’s slight advantage in the head-to-head stats, ending in that 2022 World Cup final win that nobody really forgets, means they can say they’re on top right now.
But France had their own moment in 2018 , and Mbappé’s whole ascent has kept the rivalry burning, not just simmering. And since both nations are still chasing glory for the 2026 World Cup, just not meeting in that way right then, an Argentina vs France rematch, whenever it shows up, will probably be appointment viewing once more.
FAQs
1. How many times have the Argentina national football team and France national football team played each other?
Argentina and France have faced each other multiple times in international football across FIFA World Cups and international friendlies. Their head-to-head record includes memorable encounters, with both teams enjoying victories in one of football’s greatest rivalries.
2. Who has won more matches between the Argentina national football team and France national football team?
The head-to-head record between the Argentina national football team and France national football team is closely contested. Argentina has historically held a slight edge in overall wins, while France has also claimed significant victories, including knockout matches in major tournaments.
3. What was the result of the 2022 FIFA World Cup final between Argentina and France?
The 2022 FIFA World Cup Final ended in a dramatic 3-3 draw after extra time, with Argentina defeating France 4-2 in the penalty shootout to lift their third FIFA World Cup title. Lionel Messi scored twice, while Kylian Mbappé completed a memorable hat-trick.
4. Who has scored the most memorable goals in Argentina vs France matches?
Several legendary players have left their mark on the Argentina national football team vs France national football team rivalry, including Lionel Messi, Kylian Mbappé, Ángel Di María, and Antoine Griezmann. Their goals have played a key role in some of the most iconic matches in FIFA World Cup history.
5. When is the next Argentina national football team vs France national football team match?
The next Argentina national football team vs France national football team match will depend on official FIFA and international football schedules. Fans should check the latest fixture list for confirmed dates, venues, and kick-off times whenever the two football giants are set to meet again.
6. Why is the Argentina national football team vs France national football team rivalry so famous?
The Argentina national football team vs France national football team rivalry is famous because it has produced several unforgettable FIFA World Cup matches, including the thrilling 2018 Round of 16 clash and the historic 2022 World Cup Final. The rivalry also features legendary players such as Lionel Messi and Kylian Mbappé, making every meeting highly anticipated by football fans worldwide.
7. What is the overall head-to-head record between Argentina and France?
Argentina holds a slight advantage in the overall head-to-head record against France. The two national teams have met 13 times in official international matches, including FIFA World Cups and international friendlies. Argentina has won seven matches, France has won three, while three games have ended in draws.
8. How many times have Argentina and France met in the FIFA World Cup?
Argentina and France have faced each other four times in FIFA World Cup history. Their meetings came in the 1930, 1978, 2018, and 2022 tournaments. Argentina has won three of those encounters, while France has won one.
9. Who scored in the 2022 FIFA World Cup Final between Argentina and France?
Lionel Messi scored twice for Argentina, while Ángel Di María added another goal. For France, Kylian Mbappé produced one of the greatest World Cup Final performances ever by scoring a remarkable hat-trick. After a 3–3 draw following extra time, Argentina won the penalty shootout 4–2.
10. Which Argentina vs France match is considered the greatest?
The 2022 FIFA World Cup Final is widely regarded as the greatest match between Argentina and France. The thrilling contest featured six goals, Lionel Messi’s brilliant performance, Kylian Mbappé’s hat-trick, extra-time drama, and a penalty shootout that crowned Argentina world champions.
11. Who has scored the most goals in Argentina vs France matches?
Kylian Mbappé is the highest scorer in the Argentina vs France rivalry with four goals. Lionel Messi follows with three goals, including two in the unforgettable 2022 FIFA World Cup Final.
12. Which team has won more FIFA World Cups, Argentina or France?
Argentina has won three FIFA World Cup titles (1978, 1986, and 2022), while France has lifted the trophy twice (1998 and 2018). Both nations are among the most successful teams in international football.
13. Who are the greatest players to feature in the Argentina vs France rivalry?
The rivalry has showcased some of football’s greatest legends, including Lionel Messi, Diego Maradona, Ángel Di María, Kylian Mbappé, Zinedine Zidane, Michel Platini, Thierry Henry, Antoine Griezmann, and Olivier Giroud.
14. What was France’s biggest victory over Argentina?
France’s biggest competitive victory over Argentina came in the 2018 FIFA World Cup Round of 16, where Les Bleus won a thrilling 4–3 match. Kylian Mbappé scored twice as France advanced on their way to becoming world champions.
15. What was Argentina’s biggest win against France?
Argentina’s most notable FIFA World Cup victory over France came in the 1978 group stage, where the hosts secured a 2–1 win before going on to win their first World Cup title. Argentina also defeated France in the historic 2022 World Cup Final after a penalty shootout.
16. Why is the Argentina vs France rivalry important in World Cup history?
The Argentina vs France rivalry is significant because it spans nearly a century of FIFA World Cup history, beginning with their first meeting in 1930. It has produced memorable matches in 1978, 2018, and the legendary 2022 World Cup Final, featuring football icons such as Lionel Messi and Kylian Mbappé. The combination of historic success, dramatic encounters, and world-class talent makes it one of international football’s most celebrated rivalries.
