Croatia vs France: World Cup head-to-head record
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France have won both of their World Cup meetings with Croatia, making their all-time head-to-head record P2 W2 D0 L0 in France's favour. The two sides have met at the biggest moments in the tournament — a semi-final and a final — with France winning both times and Croatia never managing a draw or victory.
The fixtures span 20 years of World Cup history, from the 1998 semi-final in France to the iconic 2018 Final in Moscow. In total, France have scored six goals across the two games while Croatia have netted three, producing a combined goal difference of +3 for Les Bleus.
All-time World Cup head-to-head table
Here is every World Cup meeting between Croatia and France:
1998 FIFA World Cup – Semi-final
France 2-1 Croatia
2018 FIFA World Cup – Final
France 4-2 Croatia
Context and significance
Few international rivalries have produced encounters at such high stakes so consistently. The 1998 meeting came in the semi-finals of a World Cup hosted by France, with Les Bleus eliminating a Croatia side that was appearing in its first-ever World Cup. That Croatia team, featuring Davor Šuker — who went on to win the Golden Boot — gave France a stern test before Lilian Thuram scored both French goals in a famous personal performance.
Twenty years later the two nations met again, this time in the ultimate game. The 2018 World Cup Final in Moscow saw France overcome a resilient Croatia side 4-2 in a match that featured an own goal, a VAR decision, and stunning strikes from both sides. Kylian Mbappé became the second teenager after Pelé to score in a World Cup Final, while Mandžukić netted for both teams. France lifted the trophy, leaving Croatia as runners-up — a remarkable achievement for a nation of under four million people. Head to Bola 2026 to track live scores and follow both nations' progress at the next tournament.
Frequently asked questions
Has Croatia ever beaten France at the World Cup?
No. Croatia have never beaten France in a World Cup match. France have won both meetings — 2-1 in the 1998 semi-final and 4-2 in the 2018 Final — and there have been no draws between the two sides.
When did France vs Croatia play in the World Cup Final?
France and Croatia met in the 2018 FIFA World Cup Final in Moscow, Russia. France won 4-2 to claim their second World Cup title, with Croatia finishing as runners-up for the first time in their history.
How many World Cup goals have France scored against Croatia?
France have scored six World Cup goals against Croatia across two matches: two in the 1998 semi-final and four in the 2018 Final. Croatia have scored three goals in total across those same two games.