Hey there, football fans! If you’re anything like me, there’s nothing quite like diving into the history of a great international rivalry. Today, we’re talking about the france national football team vs croatia national football team matches. These clashes have given us some of the most unforgettable moments in modern football – from World Cup heartbreak to Nations League nail-biters. Whether you’re a die-hard Les Bleus supporter or cheering for the Checkered Ones, this rivalry packs drama, skill, and just a touch of controversy.
France, with their star-studded squad and two World Cup titles, often enter these games as favorites. But Croatia? Oh man, they’ve punched way above their weight, reaching finals and semis despite a population smaller than many cities. Their matches aren’t just games; they’re stories of resilience, flair, and those edge-of-your-seat finishes. In this article, we’ll break it all down – from their first meeting to the latest showdowns. I’ll keep it straightforward, like chatting over a coffee (or a beer, if it’s match day). And yes, we’ll include a handy table for all the key results so you can skim or geek out on the stats.
Stick around as we explore the head-to-head record, iconic matches, and what makes this rivalry so special. By the end, you’ll be ready to relive those goals or predict the next one. Let’s kick off!
The Roots of the france national football team vs croatia national football team matches Rivalry: How It All Began
Picture this: It’s the late 1990s, and football in Europe is buzzing. Croatia had just gained independence in 1991, and their national team was quickly becoming a force. France, fresh off hosting the 1998 World Cup, was loaded with legends like Zinedine Zidane and Thierry Henry. Their first big clash? The semi-final of that very tournament.
On July 8, 1998, at the Stade de France, Croatia stunned everyone by taking the lead through Davor Šuker’s header. The crowd was electric – over 80,000 fans roaring. But France fought back. Lilian Thuram, not known for scoring, netted twice in a 2-1 comeback win. That red card to Laurent Blanc for a rough tackle on Šuker? Still debated today. It was Croatia’s debut World Cup, and they finished third, but France lifted the trophy. Talk about a fiery start to the France vs Croatia football rivalry.
Fast forward to 2000. In a friendly in Zagreb, France got revenge with a 2-0 win, thanks to goals from David Trezeguet and Youri Djorkaeff. These early games set the tone: Croatia’s grit against France’s flair. But it was the 2004 Euros that really spiced things up.
Head-to-Head Record: France Edges It, But Croatia’s No Pushover
Over the years, these two sides have met 12 times since 1998 – friendlies, Euros, World Cups, and Nations League battles. France holds the upper hand with seven wins, but Croatia’s two victories (and three draws) show they’re always in the fight. Total goals? A whopping 33, averaging nearly three per game. That’s entertainment!
Here’s a quick snapshot in a table. I’ve kept it simple: date, competition, score, and scorers. Perfect for glancing at during halftime.
| Date | Competition | Result (France Score – Croatia Score) | Key Scorers (France) | Key Scorers (Croatia) | Venue |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jul 8, 1998 | FIFA World Cup Semi-Final | 2-1 | Thuram (2) | Šuker | Saint-Denis, France |
| May 28, 2000 | International Friendly | 2-0 | Trezeguet, Djorkaeff | – | Zagreb, Croatia |
| Jun 17, 2004 | UEFA Euro 2004 Group Stage | 2-2 | Zidane (pen), Kupeskić (og) | Niko Kovač, Olić | Leiria, Portugal |
| Mar 29, 2011 | International Friendly | 0-0 | – | – | Paris, France |
| Jul 15, 2018 | FIFA World Cup Final | 4-2 | Griezmann (pen), Pogba, Mbappé, Mandžukić (og) | Perišić, Mandžukić | Moscow, Russia |
| Sep 8, 2020 | UEFA Nations League | 4-2 | Maignan’s header (og? Wait, no: Giroud (2), Mbappé, Coman | Modrić (pen), Perišić | Paris, France |
| Oct 14, 2020 | UEFA Nations League | 2-1 | Griezmann, Nkunku | Modrić (pen) | Zagreb, Croatia |
| Jun 6, 2022 | UEFA Nations League | 1-1 | Pogba | Gvardiol | Zagreb, Croatia |
| Jun 13, 2022 | UEFA Nations League | 0-1 | – | Perišić | Paris, France |
| Mar 20, 2025 | UEFA Nations League Quarter-Final (1st Leg) | 0-2 | – | Budimir, Perišić | Split, Croatia |
| Mar 23, 2025 | UEFA Nations League Quarter-Final (2nd Leg) | 2-0 (5-4 pens) | Olise, Dembélé | – | Paris, France |
| (Overall) | All Competitions | France 7W – 3D – 2L | Total Goals: 24 | Total Goals: 13 | Avg. Goals: 2.9 |
(Data compiled from official records up to September 2025. Draws include the penalty win for France in 2025.)
See? France dominates, but Croatia’s recent form – winning three of the last five before the 2025 pens drama – keeps it close. Their games often feature penalties (three in total!) and own goals, adding that unpredictable twist.
Iconic Matches That Defined the france national football team vs croatia national football team matches Rivalry
Not all games are created equal. Some France Croatia national team matches are etched in football folklore. Let’s relive the big ones, shall we?
The 1998 World Cup Semi: Thuram’s Heroics and a Nation’s Dawn
As I mentioned, this was the spark. Croatia, led by coach Miroslav Blažević, had dazzled with wins over Germany and Romania. Šuker’s goal in the 46th minute had the underdogs dreaming. But Thuram’s brace – his only two international goals ever – turned the tide. Blanc’s sending-off weakened France, but they held on. Croatia’s third-place finish was heroic, but France’s path to the final (and title) started here. Fun fact: Over 1 billion watched the tournament – this match hooked a generation on Croatia’s potential.
Euro 2004: A Wild 2-2 Draw in the Group of Death
Euro 2004’s Group B was brutal – France, England, Croatia, Switzerland. On a rainy night in Leiria, Portugal, it was fireworks. Niko Kovač put Croatia ahead, but Zidane’s penalty leveled it. Then Ivan Klasnić (wait, no: actually Olić) made it 2-1, only for another own goal (Kupeskić off a corner) to tie it. Both teams exited early, but this draw showed Croatia could match France’s stars. Zidane’s magic? Vintage stuff.
The 2018 World Cup Final: Mbappé’s Magic and VAR Drama
Ah, the one everyone remembers. Moscow’s Luzhniki Stadium, July 15, 2018. France, coached by Didier Deschamps (1998 captain), faced Zlatko Dalić’s fairy-tale Croats, who won three knockout ties in extra time. Mario Mandžukić’s own goal (18′) gave France the lead, but Ivan Perišić equalized (28′) – then got penalized for handball (38′), Griezmann converted. Pogba (59′) and a teenage Kylian Mbappé’s rocket (65′) made it 4-1. Mandžukić pulled one back (69′), but France held for 4-2.
Controversy? That penalty – Dalić called it soft. Mbappé became the second teen scorer in a final (after Pelé). France’s second star, Croatia’s silver. Over 26 million French viewers; pure joy. It boosted France’s global brand and inspired kids worldwide.
Nations League Clashes: Modern-Day Thrillers (2020-2022)
The UEFA Nations League turned up the heat. In 2020, France smashed 4-2 at home (Giroud brace, Mbappé, Coman) before a tense 2-1 away win (Griezmann, Nkunku; Modrić pen). 2022? Draws and a shock: Joško Gvardiol’s header (1-1), then Perišić’s winner in Paris (1-0). Croatia topped the group. These games highlighted Luka Modrić’s genius – at 36, still pulling strings.
The Latest Chapter: 2025 Nations League Quarter-Finals
Fast forward to March 2025 – the rivalry’s freshest drama. In the UEFA Nations League quarters, Croatia hosted first in Split. Ante Budimir and a vintage Perišić (his third goal vs France!) stunned France 2-0. Mbappé and Dembélé returned but couldn’t spark. Croatia’s defense, led by Gvardiol, was rock-solid.
The return? Stade de France, March 23. France, down 0-2 aggregate, roared back. Michael Olise’s curling free-kick (52′) and Ousmane Dembélé’s stunner (80′) leveled at 2-0 (2-2 agg). Extra time? Goalless, despite Dominik Livaković’s saves on Mbappé. Penalties: France 5-4, with Eduardo Camavinga’s cool head shining. France advanced to face Spain in semis, Croatia to World Cup qualifiers with Czechia. Heartbreak for Croatia, but their fight earned respect.
Key Players Who’ve Shaped France vs Croatia Matches
No rivalry without heroes. For France, Kylian Mbappé’s speed terrorized Croatia – two goals in 2018, chances galore in 2025. Antoine Griezmann? Clutch penalties and smarts. Paul Pogba’s midfield drive won finals.
Croatia’s Luka Modrić is the maestro – assists, pens, leadership. Ivan Perišić? Goal machine vs France (three strikes). Mario Mandžukić’s 2018 brace showed grit. Young guns like Gvardiol now carry the torch.
Coaches matter too: Deschamps’ pragmatism for France, Dalić’s underdog fire for Croatia.
Why This france national football team vs croatia national football team matches Rivalry Captivates Fans Worldwide
It’s more than stats. France represents glamour – diverse talent, big trophies. Croatia? Underdog spirit, technical wizardry from a small nation. Matches often swing on moments: pens, reds, wondergoals. Culturally, it’s East vs West Europe vibes, with global appeal (huge viewership in 2018).
Off-field? Both promote unity – France’s multicultural squad, Croatia’s post-war pride.
What’s Next for france national football team vs croatia national football team matches Encounters?
As of September 2025, no fixtures locked, but World Cup 2026 qualifiers loom. France in Group D (Azerbaijan, Iceland, Ukraine); Croatia in L (Czechia, Faroe Islands, Gibraltar, Montenegro). A playoff clash? Dream scenario. Nations League finals or Euros 2028 could reunite them.
Predictions? France favored, but Croatia’s Modrić-less era (he’s 40 by then) tests depth. Expect goals – history says so.
Wrapping Up: A Rivalry for the Ages
From 1998’s semi shock to 2025’s pen drama, france national football team vs croatia national football team matches deliver. France’s seven wins show class, but Croatia’s resilience steals hearts. Whether it’s Mbappé’s bursts or Modrić’s magic, these games remind us why we love football: passion, surprises, community.