How Many Times Has France Hosted the World Cup?
Quick answer: France has hosted the World Cup twice as sole host (1938 and 1998). France won both tournaments as host. They co-host 2026 with the USA and Canada.
France has hosted the FIFA World Cup twice as the sole host nation: 1938 and 1998. Both tournaments were won by the host country, making France one of the most successful World Cup hosts in history.
France will co-host again in 2026 with the United States and Canada, but that counts as a shared tournament rather than a solo host edition.
France World Cup Hosting Record
| Year | Role | Champion | Final venue |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1938 | Sole host | Italy | Stade Olympique de Colombes (Paris area) |
| 1998 | Sole host | France | Stade de France, Saint-Denis |
| 2026 | Co-host with USA and Canada | TBD | MetLife Stadium (USA final) |
1938: France's First World Cup as Host
The 1938 edition was the third World Cup and the first hosted in Europe. Italy won the title. France were eliminated in the quarter-finals. Despite not winning, hosting helped grow football infrastructure in the country.
1998: The Most Successful French World Cup
France 98 remains the benchmark host tournament:
- first World Cup with 32 teams;
- Stade de France built as the centerpiece;
- France won the final 3-0 against Brazil;
- massive national support across the country.
Read the full story in the 1998 final guide.
Will France Host Again?
France is not the solo host in 2026, but it remains one of the most important football nations whenever the World Cup returns to Europe. Historical hosting experience influences stadium quality, fan culture and federation expertise.
Compare host cities globally in the host cities ranking.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many times has France hosted the World Cup alone?
Twice: 1938 and 1998.
how many times has france hosted the world cup
Twice as sole host: 1938 and 1998.
how many times france hosted world cup
Two times (1938, 1998) as the only host nation.
how many times did france host the world cup
Same answer: two solo editions — 1938 and 1998.
Did France win when they hosted?
Yes. Italy won in 1938 and France won in 1998.
Is France hosting World Cup 2026?
France is a co-host in 2026 alongside the United States and Mexico.