France Sets Ambitious Medal Goals for 2026 Winter Olympics with Strong Contenders

As the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan-Cortina approach, France is aiming to surpass its previous best of 14 medals won at the 2022 Beijing Games. Key French athletes expected to contribute include Lou Jeanmonnot, Quentin Fillon Maillet, and Perrine Laffont, particularly in biathlon and alpine skiing where prospects are high for record-breaking achievements. Figure skater Guillaume Cizeron, now partnered with Laurence Fournier-Beaudry, seeks to defend his Olympic dance title—a feat unseen since 1998. Beyond winter sports, France's broader 2026 sporting ambitions include the French men's rugby team targeting a Six Nations double, and promising young talents like 20-year-old Formula 1 driver Isack Hadjar competing for his first Grand Prix victory with Red Bull. Cyclists Pauline Ferrand-Prévôt and Paul Seixas are also notable athletes to watch after recent historic wins. This strong sporting outlook complements aspirations in football ahead of the FIFA World Cup, with Kylian Mbappé leading the national team and speculation about veteran players returning.

Meanwhile, young athletes across other sports show potential for future glory. For example, Zachari Bonnin, a handball player from Berruyer, was recently selected for the France U19 team and is gaining professional-level training experience with Saran's reserves, preparing for the Euro U19 championship. Bonnin’s progression illustrates the depth of France’s emerging sports talent gearing up for major competitions in the coming years.

France's sports community is thus energized and optimistic about multiple medal hopes and breakthrough performances throughout 2026, setting a high bar for national success at winter and summer competitions.