France's Group Stage World Cup 2026 Schedule: Matches in New York, Philadelphia, and Boston

The France national football team, known as the Bleus, has finalized its group stage schedule for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which will be held across the United States, Mexico, and Canada from June 11 to July 19, 2026. Placed in Group I alongside Senegal, Norway, and an intercontinental playoff winner from Bolivia, Suriname, or Iraq, France will play three group matches in major East Coast cities of the U.S.

France will start its campaign on June 16 with a match against Senegal at MetLife Stadium in New York, with kickoff at 21:00 French time. The second group game is slated for June 22 against the intercontinental playoff winner at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia, kicking off at 23:00 French time. The group stage will conclude with a game against Norway on June 26 at Gillette Stadium in Boston, beginning at 21:00 French time.

If France finishes first in its group, the knockout stages will likely keep the team primarily on the East Coast, simplifying logistics and travel, with the exception of a possible semifinal in Dallas, Texas. The close proximity of the three venues—with short flight times between New York, Philadelphia, and Boston—is expected to mitigate travel fatigue for the players.

Coach Didier Deschamps highlighted the challenges posed by the summer heat and humidity during the tournament, which could affect player performance, especially since stadiums are not air-conditioned. Consequently, the team staff is actively searching for an optimal base camp between Boston and New York to best prepare the team. The camp is intended to have modern facilities and foster team cohesion, with a decision deadline set for January 9 to comply with FIFA’s requirements.

This detailed scheduling and geographic proximity allows France to strategically plan training, rest, and recovery periods, helping minimize logistical complications in this high-stakes tournament environment.