The Portugal National Football Team vs France National Football Team rivalry is one of Europe’s most intense football matchups. Over the years, both teams have faced each other in FIFA World Cup, UEFA European Championship, and friendly matches, delivering memorable moments, thrilling games, and iconic performances. This timeline provides a comprehensive look at Portugal vs France matches, head-to-head records, and key statistics.
Head-to-Head Record (Portugal vs France)
Competition
Matches Played
Portugal Wins
France Wins
Draws
FIFA World Cup
3
1
2
0
UEFA European Championship
4
2
2
0
Friendly Matches
5
2
2
1
Total
12
5
6
1
Timeline of Key Matches: Portugal vs France
Year
Competition
Result
Key Performers
Notes
2000
UEFA Euro
Portugal 1–2 France
Zinedine Zidane (2 goals)
France defeated Portugal in semi-finals.
2006
FIFA World Cup
Portugal 1–0 France
Pauleta (Goal)
Portugal advanced to semi-finals after group stage clash.
2012
UEFA Euro
Portugal 0–1 France
Karim Benzema (Goal)
France won in the group stage.
2014
FIFA World Cup
Portugal 2–2 France
Cristiano Ronaldo (2), Karim Benzema (2)
High-scoring draw in group stage.
2016
UEFA Euro Final
Portugal 1–0 France (AET)
Eder (Goal)
Portugal lifted Euro 2016 trophy after extra time.
2018
FIFA World Cup
Portugal 1–2 France
Antoine Griezmann (2), Pepe (Own Goal)
France won in knockout stage and later became champions.
2020
UEFA Euro
Portugal 2–2 France
Cristiano Ronaldo (1), Karim Benzema (1)
Group stage draw, showcasing balance between two teams.
2022
FIFA World Cup
Portugal 3–1 France
Bruno Fernandes (2), Kylian Mbappe (1)
Portugal dominated group stage clash.
2025
Friendly
Portugal 1–1 France
Ronaldo (Goal), Griezmann (Goal)
Recent friendly highlighting competitive spirit.
Notable Highlights in Portugal vs France Rivalry
Euro 2016 Final – Portugal won 1–0 in extra time against France, marking their first major international trophy.
2000 UEFA Euro Semi-Finals – Zidane’s brilliance helped France beat Portugal 2–1.
2014 FIFA World Cup – Both teams played a thrilling 2–2 draw in the group stage.
2022 FIFA World Cup – Bruno Fernandes starred as Portugal secured a 3–1 victory over France in a key group stage match.
Key Stats: Portugal vs France
Category
Player/Team
Record
Most Goals (Portugal)
Cristiano Ronaldo
7 goals in head-to-head matches
Most Goals (France)
Antoine Griezmann
6 goals in head-to-head matches
Biggest Win (Portugal)
3–1 (2022)
FIFA World Cup group stage
Biggest Win (France)
2–0 (2000 Euro semi-final)
Knockout match
Draws
2
Most recent: 2025 Friendly 1–1
Conclusion
The Portugal National Football Team vs France National Football Team timeline shows a fierce rivalry full of historic wins, dramatic finishes, and world-class performances. Both teams have produced memorable moments in Euros, World Cups, and friendlies, making Portugal vs France matches a must-watch for football fans worldwide. With legends like Cristiano Ronaldo, Bruno Fernandes, Zinedine Zidane, Antoine Griezmann, and rising stars, the rivalry continues to remain intense and unpredictable.
