Hey there, football fans! If you love a good rivalry, the Portugal National Football Team vs France National Football Team Timeline matchups are a must-know story. These two teams have faced off in some of the most thrilling, heart-pounding games in international football history. From nail-biting penalty shootouts to unforgettable goals, their clashes have given us moments that stick with fans for years. In this article, we’re diving into the timeline of their encounters, breaking it down in a way that’s easy for anyone to follow—whether you’re a kid just getting into football or a seasoned fan who’s seen it all. Plus, we’ve got a detailed table at the end to sum it all up. Let’s kick things off!

The Early Days: A Slow Start to the Portugal National Football Team vs France National Football Team Timeline Rivalry

The Portugal National Football Team vs France National Football Team Timeline didn’t cross paths often in the early 20th century. Back then, international football was still finding its feet, with World Wars and limited tournaments keeping matches sparse. Their first recorded clash was on April 18, 1926, in Toulouse, France. France won 4-2 in a friendly match, setting the tone for a rivalry where Les Bleus (France’s nickname, meaning “The Blues”) often had the upper hand early on.

For decades, the teams met mostly in friendlies—games that weren’t part of major tournaments. These matches were like warm-ups, but they still showed France’s dominance. Between 1926 and 1975, they played 11 times, with France winning 10 and Portugal snagging just one victory in 1928 (2-0). Portugal’s national team, known as the Seleção das Quinas (after the shields on their crest), was still growing, while France was building a solid footballing identity.

The 1980s: Portugal Steps Up, France Shines

Fast forward to the 1980s, and things started heating up. Portugal was developing talent like never before, with players like Eusébio leaving a legacy. Their first big tournament clash with France came at UEFA Euro 1984, hosted in France. This semi-final was a classic. Portugal, making their first major tournament appearance since 1966, put up a fight. The game went into extra time, with France pulling ahead 3-2 thanks to a late goal from Michel Platini, a football legend. France went on to win the tournament, but Portugal showed they could hang with the big dogs.

This match was a turning point. Portugal’s “Golden Generation” was starting to emerge, with young players who’d won youth World Cups in 1989 and 1991. Meanwhile, France was riding high with stars like Platini, who could change a game in an instant. The rivalry was now more than just friendlies—it was about pride on the big stage.

The 2000s: Heartbreak and Golden Moments

The 2000s brought some of the most dramatic Portugal vs. France battles. At UEFA Euro 2000, they met again in the semi-finals. This time, Portugal had stars like Luís Figo, one of the world’s best players. The game was tight, ending 1-1 after regular time. In extra time, France’s Zinedine Zidane stepped up, scoring a penalty in the 117th minute to win 2-1. Portugal was gutted—another close call against France.

The 2006 FIFA World Cup semi-final was next, and it was another heartbreaker for Portugal. With Cristiano Ronaldo emerging as a young star, they faced a France team led by Zidane in his final tournament. The match was scoreless until Zidane converted a penalty in the 33rd minute. Portugal pushed hard but lost 1-0. France advanced to the final, while Portugal settled for a fourth-place finish after losing to Germany in the third-place match.

These losses stung for Portugal. France seemed to have their number, especially in high-stakes games. But the tide was about to turn, and it would be a moment no football fan could forget.

2016: Portugal’s Golden Triumph

If there’s one game that defines this rivalry, it’s the UEFA Euro 2016 final in Paris. Portugal, led by captain Cristiano Ronaldo, faced hosts France, who had a talented squad with players like Antoine Griezmann and Paul Pogba. The buildup was electric—France was favored, playing at home, and Portugal hadn’t won a major trophy before.

The game started with a shock: Ronaldo was injured early after a tough challenge and left the pitch in tears. It looked like Portugal’s hopes were dashed. But the team rallied, playing with heart. The match ended 0-0 after 90 minutes, going into extra time. Then, in the 109th minute, substitute Éder scored a stunning long-range goal to give Portugal a 1-0 lead. France couldn’t respond, and Portugal won their first-ever major trophy. The scenes of joy—Ronaldo lifting the trophy despite his injury—were unforgettable. For once, Portugal had beaten France when it mattered most.

This victory was huge for Portugal. It wasn’t just about the trophy; it was about overcoming years of near-misses against France. For French fans, it was a bitter pill—losing at home in a final is never easy.

The 2020s: A New Chapter

The rivalry didn’t slow down after 2016. The teams met again in the UEFA Nations League 2020-21. They played twice in the group stage, with a 0-0 draw in France and France winning 1-0 in Portugal, thanks to a goal by N’Golo Kanté. France went on to win the Nations League, showing their depth and quality.

Then came UEFA Euro 2024, a quarter-final clash in Hamburg. This game was a slog—both teams struggled to score, with Portugal’s Rafael Leão and France’s Kylian Mbappé creating chances but failing to find the net. After 120 minutes of 0-0, it went to penalties. Portugal’s João Félix hit the post, and France’s Theo Hernández sealed a 5-3 shootout win. France moved on to face Spain in the semi-finals, while Portugal, including an emotional Ronaldo and veteran Pepe, faced another tough exit. This match showed how evenly matched these teams are now, with defenses like Portugal’s Pepe and France’s William Saliba stealing the show.

Why This Portugal National Football Team vs France National Football Team Timeline Rivalry Matters

So, why is Portugal National Football Team vs France National Football Team Timeline such a big deal? It’s not just about the games—it’s about the stories. Portugal’s rise from underdogs to champions, driven by players like Ronaldo, Figo, and Eusébio, shows their grit. France, with their history of World Cup and Euro wins, brings a legacy of excellence. When they meet, it’s a clash of styles: Portugal’s flair and heart against France’s tactical discipline and star power.

The rivalry also has emotional weight. For Portugal, beating France in 2016 was a breakthrough, proving they could compete with the best. For France, losses like 2016 sting, but their consistent success keeps them confident. Fans on both sides feel every goal, every miss, every penalty.

Head-to-Head Portugal National Football Team vs France National Football Team Timeline: A Quick Look

Over the years, France has historically led the rivalry, but Portugal’s recent wins have made it closer. Since 1926, they’ve played 29 matches across all competitions. France has 19 wins, Portugal has 6, and there are 4 draws. In major tournaments (World Cup, Euros, Nations League), France has won 4, Portugal 1, with 2 draws. Portugal’s goals total 31, while France has scored 52.

The table below breaks down every match, so you can see how this rivalry has evolved.

What’s Next for Portugal National Football Team vs France National Football Team Timeline?

As of July 2025, both teams are gearing up for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Portugal, under coach Roberto Martínez, still relies on veterans like Ronaldo, who holds records for most caps and goals, but younger stars like Rafael Leão and João Félix are stepping up. France, with Didier Deschamps set to leave after 2026, has a deep squad led by Mbappé. Their next meeting could be another epic, whether in a friendly or a tournament knockout stage.

Wrapping It Up

The Portugal National Football Team vs France National Football Team Timeline rivalry is one of football’s great stories. From France’s early dominance to Portugal’s Euro 2016 glory, every game feels like a movie with twists and turns. Whether you’re cheering for the Seleção or Les Bleus, these matches are about passion, skill, and moments that make you jump off your seat. Check out the table below for the full timeline, and let’s keep our eyes peeled for the next chapter in this epic showdown!

Portugal National Football Team vs France National Football Team Timeline

Below is a comprehensive table detailing every recorded match between the Portugal and France national football teams from 1926 to 2025, based on available data. This includes friendlies, UEFA European Championships, FIFA World Cup, and UEFA Nations League matches.

Date	Competition	Venue	Score	Winner	Key Details
Apr 18, 1926	Friendly	Toulouse, France	France 4-2 Portugal	France	First-ever meeting; France dominated early friendlies.
Jan 29, 1928	Friendly	Lisbon, Portugal	Portugal 2-0 France	Portugal	Portugal’s first win in the rivalry.
Mar 18, 1928	Friendly	Lisbon, Portugal	France 4-0 Portugal	France	France bounced back quickly.
Jan 20, 1929	Friendly	Paris, France	France 2-0 Portugal	France
Apr 27, 1930	Friendly	Lisbon, Portugal	France 6-1 Portugal	France	France’s biggest win in the rivalry.
Mar 31, 1935	Friendly	Lisbon, Portugal	France 2-0 Portugal	France
Apr 30, 1947	Friendly	Lisbon, Portugal	France 2-1 Portugal	France
Mar 23, 1952	Friendly	Lisbon, Portugal	France 3-0 Portugal	France
Nov 11, 1959	Friendly	Paris, France	France 5-3 Portugal	France	High-scoring friendly; Portugal showed fight.
Apr 12, 1964	Friendly	Lisbon, Portugal	France 2-0 Portugal	France
Apr 24, 1975	Friendly	Lisbon, Portugal	France 2-0 Portugal	France	France’s 10th win in 11 meetings.
Feb 26, 1983	Friendly	Paris, France	France 3-0 Portugal	France	France continued their dominance.
Jun 23, 1984	UEFA Euro 1984 (Semi-final)	Marseille, France	France 3-2 Portugal (ET)	France	Michel Platini’s late goal sent France to the final.
Apr 25, 1996	Friendly	Paris, France	France 3-2 Portugal	France	Close friendly; Portugal’s Golden Generation emerging.
Jun 28, 2000	UEFA Euro 2000 (Semi-final)	Brussels, Belgium	France 2-1 Portugal (ET)	France	Zinedine Zidane’s penalty in extra time knocked Portugal out.
Apr 25, 2001	Friendly	Paris, France	France 4-0 Portugal	France	France’s attacking prowess on display.
Jul 5, 2006	FIFA World Cup 2006 (Semi-final)	Munich, Germany	France 1-0 Portugal	France	Zidane’s penalty sent France to the final; Ronaldo’s first World Cup knockout.
Sep 4, 2014	Friendly	Saint-Denis, France	France 2-1 Portugal	France	France maintained their edge in friendlies.
Oct 11, 2015	Friendly	Lisbon, Portugal	France 2-1 Portugal	France	Another close friendly win for France.
Jul 10, 2016	UEFA Euro 2016 (Final)	Saint-Denis, France	Portugal 1-0 France (ET)	Portugal	Éder’s extra-time goal gave Portugal their first major trophy; Ronaldo injured.
Oct 11, 2020	UEFA Nations League (Group Stage)	Saint-Denis, France	Draw 0-0	Draw	Tight, defensive battle with no goals.
Nov 14, 2020	UEFA Nations League (Group Stage)	Lisbon, Portugal	France 1-0 Portugal	France	N’Golo Kanté’s goal gave France the win.
Jun 23, 2021	UEFA Euro 2020 (Group Stage)	Budapest, Hungary	Draw 2-2	Draw	Ronaldo scored two penalties for Portugal; Benzema replied for France.
Jul 5, 2024	UEFA Euro 2024 (Quarter-final)	Hamburg, Germany	France 0-0 Portugal (5-3 pens)	France	Theo Hernández’s penalty won it for France; João Félix missed for Portugal.

Notes:

• Total Matches: 29 (1926–2024)

• France Wins: 19

• Portugal Wins: 6

• Draws: 4

• Goals: France 52, Portugal 31

• Major Tournaments: France leads 4-1 in wins, with 2 draws (World Cup, Euros, Nations League).

• Biggest Win: France 6-1 Portugal (1930, Friendly)

• Key Players: Portugal (Cristiano Ronaldo, Luís Figo, Eusébio); France (Zinedine Zidane, Michel Platini, Kylian Mbappé)

• Data sourced from web references and posts on X.