France’s 2026 Sporting Year Set to Spark Excitement with World Cup and More

As 2026 approaches, French sports fans have a jam-packed calendar of events to look forward to, headlined by the football World Cup and other major competitions. The French national team will open their 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign on June 16 against Senegal in New York, a game that evokes memories for New York’s mayor, Zohran Mamdani, who recalled the historic 2002 World Cup clash where Senegal shocked France 1-0. Group I also includes Norway and a yet-to-be-determined third team, which will be finalized after the March 26, 2026, Bolivia vs Suriname qualifier.

The 2026 sports calendar is rich with significant events across various disciplines. Starting in January with the Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco and the Dakar Rally in Saudi Arabia, the year quickly gains momentum. February brings the Winter Olympics and Paralympics in Milan-Cortina alongside the Six Nations rugby tournament. Cycling fans can expect highlights like Paris-Nice in March, the Paris Marathon and Monte-Carlo Masters in April, followed by key tennis events such as Roland-Garros from May 18 to June 7.

June is particularly notable, as it features both the FIFA World Cup from June 11 to July 19 and the Tour de France from July 4 to 26, promising thrilling moments for French athletes and fans alike. The athletic calendar continues with an extensive list of world championships and tournaments through the remainder of the year, culminating with the US Open and the Masters tennis events in November.

Zohran Mamdani, a football enthusiast born in Uganda and now mayor of New York, shared his childhood memories about the 2002 France-Senegal opening World Cup match. He mentioned players like Papa Bouba Diop and the lasting impact the game had on him, underscoring how the upcoming meeting in New York will be emotionally charged for many.

With PSG's recent Champions League success and other standout performances closing 2025, including wins from Pauline Ferrand-Prévôt and rising football stars, 2026 is set to be an exhilarating year. Fans across France and beyond will have plenty to cheer for as French athletes and teams take center stage on multiple international platforms.