Arriving as defending champions, France carried the weight of their 1998 triumph into 2002. Under Roger Lemerre, they set out to do what so few ever manage win it twice in a row.
In a sobering defence of their title, France failed to advance beyond the group stage, a humbling outcome for the holders. Goals proved hard to come by, with just 0 in 3 matches, and their lack of firepower ultimately told.
Arriving as defending champions, France endured a difficult group stage, unable to advance despite moments of resistance. Their campaign featured a narrow 0-1 loss to Senegal, a 0-0 draw with Uruguay, and a 0-2 defeat against Denmark. France's tournament ended at the first round, a campaign that never truly got going.
1drawn2lost
0scored3conceded
Failed to score a single goal winless throughout.
The tactical mind behind France's 2002 campaign. Winless under Lemerre leading France at his first World Cup.
3yellow1red
1.3per match
Henry sent off vs Uruguay Petit booked twice.
Roger Lemerre's tactics relied heavily on youth, with players like Hugues Merette and Franck Sauzée making appearances. The team struggled to create scoring opportunities against more experienced opponents.
