France in the World Cup Finals

France qualified for the 2006 World Cup Finals on October 12th, 2005.

World Cup Appearances:
Germany 2006 is France's 12th appearance in the World Cup Finals.

Best World Cup Performance:
Winning the trophy on home soil -- France 98.

France World Cup Preparations

France Team Hotel
Schlosshotel Münchhausen:
Schwöbber 9, Aerzen bei Hameln.
With so many Chateaux at home it seems fitting that the French should stay in a German castle during the World Cup Finals. The Castle Hotel Münchhausen is more than just a renovated old building, it is above all an historical heritage in the middle of an unique park landscape; an oasis for pleasure seekers who are open to all things of beauty and enjoyment.

Hotels in Hameln:
For French fans wishing to base themselves near the France team, Hameln is only 8km from the Castle Hotel in Aerzen and of course, France will train at Hameln's Weserbergland-Stadion.

France Friendly Matches
Lost to Slovakia (1-2), Wednesday 1st March. (Stade de France)
The only goal from Sylvain Wiltord (73).

Mexico, Saturday 27th May. (Stade de France)

Denmark, Wednesday 31st May. (Felix-Bollaert - Lens)

China, Wednesday 7th June. (Geoffroy-Guichard - St Etienne)

France in the 2006 World Cup
Group G
Tuesday, 13th June
France vs Switzerland
Stuttgart -- (18:00)

Sunday, 18th June
France vs South Korea
Leipzig -- (21:00)

Friday, 23rd June
Togo vs France
Köln -- (21:00)

Knockout Stage
Group G winner travels to Cologne and the runner-up goes to Hannover.

If France win the group, they will stay in Cologne for another 3 days.

France World Cup Squad 2006
Les Bleus

Goalkeepers:
1 Mickael Landreau (Nantes)
16 Fabien Barthez (Olympique Marseille)
23 Gregory Coupet (Olympique Lyon)

Defenders:
2 Jean-Alain Boumsong (Newcastle United, England)
3 Eric Abidal (Olympique Lyon)
5 William Gallas (Chelsea, England)
13 Mikael Silvestre (Manchester United, England)
15 Lilian Thuram (Juventus, Italy)
17 Gael Givet (Monaco)
19 Willy Sagnol (Bayern Munich, Germany)
21 Pascal Chimbonda (Wigan Athletic, England)

Midfielders:
4 Patrick Vieira (Juventus, Italy)
6 Claude Makelele (Chelsea, England)
7 Florent Malouda (Olympique Lyon)
8 Vikash Dhorasoo (Paris St Germain)
10 Zinedine Zidane (Real Madrid, Spain)
18 Alou Diarra (Racing Lens)
22 Franck Ribery (Olympique Marseille)

Forwards:
9 Djibril Cisse (Liverpool, England)
11 Sylvain Wiltord (Olympique Lyon)
12 Thierry Henry (Arsenal, England)
14 Louis Saha (Manchester United, England)
20 David Trezeguet (Juventus, Italy)

Trainer:
Raymond Domenech.

Players to watch:
9 Djibril Cisse (Liverpool, England)
12 Thierry Henry (Arsenal, England)
7 Florent Malouda (Olympique Lyon)
22 Franck Ribery (Olympique Marseille)

Destination France

France Travel Notes:
Find out more about France @ Travel Notes.