France qualify for FIFAe World Cup after late scare

France will defend their FIFAe World Cup title in Riyadh after surviving a difficult European qualifying campaign. The qualification keeps the reigning champions on course for a third world championship, with the tournament scheduled from 20 to 25 October.

The French trio of mtzr, yujin and GiuK finished top of a six-team group, recording four wins and one defeat against Norway. Their quarter-final against the Czech Republic then slipped away despite a 3-2 lead and two opportunities to close out the tie. The Czechs forced golden-goal wins in two successive games after level scores at the end of regulation, eliminating France from the direct route.

France still had one qualification place available through a playoff against another quarter-final loser. Norway took the opening game, but France responded strongly and won the series 4-1. That result secured one of Europe’s six places at the 16-team FIFAe World Cup, alongside Germany, England, the Czech Republic, Italy and the Netherlands.

The Riyadh lineup will differ from the qualifying team. World champions zen, Vatira and juicy will represent France, with Ferra as coach. France lost the 2024 final to Saudi Arabia 4-1 before beating the same opponents 4-2 the following year. Saudi Arabia, the United States and France are among the leading contenders, while Morocco and South Africa will represent Africa.