France make it four wins from four, mirroring 1998 | OneFootball

France have matched the class of 1998 by opening the 2026 World Cup with four wins from four, beating Sweden 3-0 in the round of 32.

It equals a national mark previously achieved only once, in 1998. L'Équipe highlighted the feat.

Recent tournaments featured early slips. In 2018 they drew 0-0 with Denmark in the final group game, and in 2022 they lost 1-0 to Tunisia.

This time Didier Deschamps as head coach has bettered his 1998 experience as a player. Back then, Aimé Jacquet’s side needed extra time to edge Paraguay 1-0 in the last 16, while Sweden were beaten inside 90 minutes.

If they defeat Paraguay in the last 16, France will set a new benchmark, as the national team have never begun a World Cup with five straight wins.

In 1998, Italy were ousted on penalties after a 0-0 draw following extra time, which is recorded statistically as a draw.

Source: L'Équipe