Qualifying matches
Qualifying matches
Since 1998, Stade de France has regularly hosted the French football team so that it can play its qualifying matches in the best possible conditions. Around twenty European teams have come to face the French team in epic matches that will remain in the history of French sport. One thinks in particular of the famous qualifying match against Ukraine for the 2014 World Cup, where the French team managed to qualify after beating "the Blue and the Yellows" 3-0. An extraordinary match that delighted the 80,000 spectators that evening.
Qualifying match objective
Qualifying matches aim to select the best European teams for the Euros and the World Cup held every 4 years. The French team has not missed a single one of these competitions in the last 17 years, having won the World Cup 1998, winning the European Championships in 2000 and being the runner-up in 2006. Also called elimination or play-off games, they allow teams to prove themselves before the major official competitions. This is how we could see the rise of a new generation of players after ‘98, such as Franck Ribery, Karim Benzema, Hugo Lloris, Mamadou Sakho or more recently, the midfielder Paul Pogba.
The special atmosphere of the qualifying matches
A special atmosphere, typical of qualifying matches, takes over Stade de France for 90 minutes. The importance of being able to play at European and world level considerably raises the level of play of small teams. Which has not always helped the French team to win! One thinks in particular of the France-Ireland match in 2010, where France qualified in the last minutes for the 2010 World Cup after a draw. Which is what make these sporting events intense and full of suspense until the final whistle.
Come and watch decisive matches and discover, at the gates of Paris, an arena where sport and emotion come together in the stands and on the pitch. Long-time supporters, with friends or family, everyone can share unique moments with internationally-renowned players. You can witness an unforgettable spectacle and get a buzz with the French team. Visit Stade de France's sporting calendar to attend the French team's qualifying matches.
