The Portugal national football team vs France national football team stats reveal a rivalry that stretches nearly 100 years. France has been the dominant side historically, having won the majority of their encounters. But Portugal has fought back in recent years with some notable victories, including a historic win at Euro 2016. These matches often bring high drama, tough competition, and unforgettable moments.
Table of Contents
Across all competitions, Portugal and France have met 29 times. France has won 19 of those, Portugal only 6, and there have been 4 draws. Most of these matches came in friendlies, but several crucial encounters happened in major tournaments like the World Cup and European Championship. Despite the win difference, some of Portugal’s rare wins came when it mattered most.
| Competition | Matches | Portugal Wins | France Wins | Draws | Goals (Portugal) | Goals (France) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Friendlies | 21 | 5 | 15 | 1 | 25 | 43 |
| European Championship | 5 | 1 | 2 | 2 | 6 | 7 |
| World Cup | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 |
| UEFA Nations League | 2 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 1 |
| Total | 29 | 6 | 19 | 4 | 31 | 52 |
Recent Form & Recent Meetings
In the past decade, the gap between Portugal and France has slowly narrowed, with Portugal becoming stronger and more competitive. While France still leads in overall wins, recent games have often been tight and difficult to predict. These recent matches reflect the growth of Portugal’s team, especially with their golden generation led by Cristiano Ronaldo, Bruno Fernandes, and others. At the same time, France has continued to shine with their young talent like Kylian Mbappé, Antoine Griezmann, and an overall deep squad.
In the latest meetings, including the Euro 2024 quarter-final, the battle was fierce. The game ended 0–0 after extra time, and France advanced on penalties. It was a defensive showcase by both teams. In Euro 2020, they met in the group stage and drew 2–2 in another thrilling match. In the UEFA Nations League (2020), France beat Portugal 1–0 in Lisbon, showing their solid form at the time. These recent matches show how close the rivalry has become in the modern era.
Last 5 Encounters
| Match | Result | Competition | Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| Portugal 0–0 France | France won on penalties | Euro 2024 QF | July 2024 |
| Portugal 2–2 France | Draw | Euro 2020 Group Stage | June 2021 |
| Portugal 0–1 France | France Win | Nations League | Nov 2020 |
| France 0–0 Portugal | Draw | Nations League | Oct 2020 |
| Portugal 1–0 France | Portugal Win | Euro 2016 Final | July 2016 |
These matches tell a story. They’re no longer one-sided. Both teams play with discipline and passion, and every clash brings tension and excitement.
Greatest Matches & Turning Points in Portugal vs France Rivalry
Some of the biggest moments in this rivalry didn’t just change the results of tournaments—they helped shape the history of both teams. The UEFA Euro 2016 final stands out as one of the most iconic games between Portugal and France. Played in France, the hosts were favorites, but Portugal stunned them with a 1–0 win in extra time thanks to a powerful goal by Eder. This win gave Portugal their first major international trophy and broke a long losing streak against France.
Another unforgettable game came in Euro 2000, during the semi-finals. France won 2–1 with a penalty goal from Zinedine Zidane in extra time. That match was filled with controversy, passion, and world-class performances. Earlier in Euro 1984, the two nations met in the semi-finals again, and France won 3–2 after a dramatic comeback, showing how intense this rivalry has always been. These turning points built a sense of drama and legacy into every new clash.
Player & Team Records in This Rivalry
Several legendary players have left their mark on the Portugal vs France football rivalry. From Cristiano Ronaldo and Luis Figo to Zinedine Zidane and Thierry Henry, each generation added its own fire to this matchup. Ronaldo, as Portugal’s all-time top scorer, has played in numerous matches against France, although he has rarely scored against them due to France’s strong defense. Still, his leadership and presence are always felt.
On the French side, players like Griezmann and Mbappé have played critical roles in recent years. France’s solid midfield and attacking strategies have kept them dominant in terms of controlling play and scoring when it matters. While specific top scorers in this rivalry may vary, these big names are always central figures in pre-match discussions and post-match analysis. These stars are often the difference-makers.
Euro 2024 Quarter‑Final In‑Depth Stats
The Euro 2024 quarter-final match between Portugal and France was a game full of tension and tactical planning. Both sides defended carefully and avoided taking big risks, leading to a 0–0 draw after 120 minutes. In the end, France edged past Portugal 5–3 on penalties. Even though there were no goals, the match was filled with moments of near brilliance, last-second saves, and strong midfield battles.
Cristiano Ronaldo, despite his legacy, had a quiet night and missed a crucial chance. Meanwhile, Mbappé struggled with fitness and was subbed out before the shootout. The goalkeepers, Diogo Costa and Mike Maignan, were outstanding. Costa made multiple saves to keep Portugal alive, while Maignan held strong during the penalty phase. Stats showed France had more possession (56%), but both teams had a similar number of shots and passes.
Euro 2024 QF Match Stats Overview
| Stat | Portugal | France |
|---|---|---|
| Possession | 44% | 56% |
| Shots (on target) | 11 (3) | 13 (4) |
| Pass Accuracy | 84% | 87% |
| Yellow Cards | 2 | 2 |
| Saves Made | 4 | 3 |
| Penalties Scored | 3 | 5 |
Although the match ended goalless, it reminded fans how tactical and mental the modern game has become.
Trends Over Time & What’s Next
Over the years, this rivalry has evolved. France once dominated with a long unbeaten run, but Portugal has slowly shifted the balance. Their win in 2016 proved they could beat big teams under pressure. Now, their meetings are much closer, with results often going to the wire or needing penalties. Portugal has strengthened in defense and midfield, while France continues to lead with depth and flair in attack.
Looking forward, this rivalry promises even more exciting matches. With young talents rising in both teams and legends like Ronaldo and Griezmann reaching the twilight of their careers, the future will belong to new heroes. They may meet again in the next Nations League, World Cup qualifiers, or even the 2026 World Cup. Whatever the stage, the battle between these two European football giants will remain one to watch.
FAQs
1. What is the overall head-to-head record between Portugal and France?
France leads the rivalry with 19 wins, while Portugal has won 6 times. They’ve drawn 4 times in total.
2. When did Portugal last beat France?
Portugal last beat France in the Euro 2016 final, winning 1–0 in extra time to claim their first major title.
3. Who has scored the most goals in this rivalry?
There isn’t one standout top scorer. Goals are usually shared, but legends like Zidane, Henry, and Griezmann have all scored.
4. What happened in their Euro 2024 match?
The Euro 2024 quarter-final ended 0–0 after extra time. France won the match 5–3 in a penalty shootout.
5. Are Portugal and France expected to play again soon?
Yes, future matches could come in the Nations League, World Cup 2026 qualifiers, or friendlies.