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France women's national football team facts for kids

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France
Shirt badge/Association crest
Nickname(s) Les Bleues (The Blues)
Association Fédération Française de Football (FFF)
Confederation UEFA (Europe)
Head coach Laurent Bonadei
Captain Griedge Mbock Bathy
Most caps Eugénie Le Sommer (200)
Top scorer Eugénie Le Sommer (94)
FIFA code FRA
First colours
Second colours
FIFA ranking
Current 3 Increase 1 (7 December 2018)
Highest 2 (June 2024)
Lowest 11 (December 2024 – March 2025)
First international
Flag of France (1794–1815, 1830–1958).svg France 4–0 Netherlands 
(Hazebrouck, France; 17 April 1971)
Biggest win
Flag of France (lighter variant).svg France 14–0 Algeria 
(Cesson-Sévigné, France; 14 May 1998)
Flag of France (lighter variant).svg France 14–0 Bulgaria 
(Le Mans, France; 28 November 2013)
Biggest defeat
Flag of Germany.svg Germany 7–0 France 
(Bad Kreuznach, Germany; 2 September 1992)
World Cup
Appearances 5 (first in 2003)
Best result Fourth place (2011)
Olympic Games
Appearances 3 (first in 2012)
Best result Fourth place (2012)
European Championship
Appearances 8 (first in 1997)
Best result Semi-finals (2022)
Nations League Finals
Appearances 1 (first in 2024)
Best result Runners-up (2024)
Medal record
UEFA Women's Nations League
Silver 2024 France, Netherlands & Spain Team

The France women's national football team, often called Les Bleues (The Blues), plays for France in international women's football. The team is managed by the French Football Federation (FFF). France competes in major tournaments like the FIFA Women's World Cup, UEFA Women's Euro, and the Summer Olympics.

The team faced challenges early on, missing several big tournaments. However, since the year 2000, France has become one of the strongest teams in Europe. They played in their first FIFA Women's World Cup in 2003. In 2011, they achieved their best World Cup result, finishing fourth. The team also won the 2012 Cyprus Cup and placed fourth at the 2012 Women's Olympic Football Tournament.

Laurent Bonadei became the team's manager in August 2024. The current captain is defender Griedge Mbock Bathy.

History of French Women's Football

How it Started

In 1919, a women's football league began in France. It was set up by the Fédération des Sociétés Féminines Sportives de France (FSFSF). On April 29, 1920, a French team played its first international match in England. They played against Dick, Kerr's Ladies and won 2–0. Over 25,000 people watched this game in Preston.

The French team had a good tour, winning two games, drawing one, and losing one. A return match in France drew over 12,000 fans. Even when women's football was banned in England in 1921, French teams continued to play there. However, by 1932, the women's league in France was stopped.

The Ban and Return

In 1941, the Vichy government banned women's football. They said it was "unsuitable" and "harmful" for women. For almost 30 years, there was no official national team. But some local groups kept the sport alive.

In the late 1960s, women's football started to grow again. The French Football Federation officially brought it back in 1970. France played its first official international game on April 17, 1971, against the Netherlands. Jocelyne Ratignier and Marie-Claire Caron-Harant scored in that game.

Building the Team

In 1975, the women's football league was officially restarted with support from the FFF. Stade Reims was the top team in France during the 1970s and early 1980s. Many players from Reims were part of the national team.

However, the French Football Federation did not give much support to women's football. This made it hard for France to succeed in international games. They failed to qualify for several European Championships and World Cups.

After many years, Aimé Mignot became the manager. He helped the team improve, but they still struggled to reach major tournaments. In 1997, Élisabeth Loisel, a former player, took over as manager.

Under Loisel, the FFF moved the women's team to Clairefontaine. This was a top training center for male players. Young women players now had the same great training facilities. This led to the creation of a special female section at the Clairefontaine academy.

The team's performance improved. They qualified for their first-ever Women's World Cup in 2003. They beat England in a play-off game, with over 23,000 fans watching in Saint-Étienne. Loisel's team also qualified for the 2005 European Championship.

The Bruno Bini Era

Bruno Bini became the coach in 2007. He had coached many French youth teams before. Bini took over a team with many talented young players. These included Camille Abily, Sonia Bompastor, Louisa Necib, Élise Bussaglia, Laura Georges, and Corine Franco. The team's captain was Sandrine Soubeyrand.

Under Bini, France played very well. They won their Euro qualifying group without giving up many goals. In the UEFA Women's Euro 2009, they were in a tough group but still made it to the quarter-finals. They lost to the Netherlands in a penalty shootout.

2011 Women's World Cup Success

FFWM2011 FRA-GER 20110705 imBorussiapark030
The French team at the 2011 Women's World Cup before their game against Germany.

Bini's next goal was to qualify for the 2011 FIFA Women's World Cup. In their qualifying group, France won all ten matches, scoring 50 goals and not letting in any. They qualified for the World Cup by beating Italy.

At the 2011 World Cup in Germany, France finished second in their group. They beat Nigeria and Canada, but lost to the host team, Germany. In the quarter-finals, they beat England in a penalty shootout. They lost to the United States in the semi-finals. France finished fourth, which was their best World Cup result ever. This also earned them a spot in the 2012 Summer Olympics in London, their first time in the Olympic football tournament.

A Golden Era for French Football

France has been very successful in women's football recently. In the UEFA Women's Euro 2013, France won their group. However, they lost to Denmark in a penalty shootout in the quarter-finals.

2015 FIFA Women's World Cup

At the 2015 FIFA Women's World Cup in Canada, France was considered a favorite to win. They were in Group F with England, Mexico, and Colombia. France won their first game against England 1–0. But they were surprised by a 2–0 loss to Colombia. They then beat Mexico 5–0 to win their group and move to the knockout stage.

In the knockout round, France easily beat South Korea 3–0. In the quarter-finals, they played against Germany. France played very well but couldn't score enough goals. Louisa Nécib scored for France, but Germany tied the game with a penalty. The game went to a penalty shootout, where France lost 4–5 and was knocked out.

UEFA Women's Euro 2017

France won all their qualifying matches for the UEFA Women's Euro 2017. Many fans came to watch their home games. In the tournament, France won one game and drew two in their group. They were then defeated by England in the quarter-finals.

2019 FIFA Women's World Cup

France hosted the 2019 FIFA Women's World Cup. As hosts, they automatically qualified and were seen as a strong contender to win. They won all three of their group games against South Korea, Norway, and Nigeria.

In the Round of 16, France beat Brazil 2–1 in extra time. However, they lost to the United States 2–1 in the quarter-finals. This World Cup was important because many women's teams used it to speak out for equal pay between men and women in football.

Recent Managers

Corinne Diacre managed the team from 2017 to 2023. Under her, France won the SheBelieves Cup in 2017. She was replaced by Hervé Renard in March 2023. Renard coached the team until August 2024, when Laurent Bonadei took over.

Team Identity

Nicknames

The France women's national football team is often called "Les Bleues", which means "The Blues". This nickname comes from the blue color of their jerseys.

Overall Team Performance

FIFA Women's World Cup Record

France has played in 5 FIFA Women's World Cups. Their best finish was fourth place in 2011.

FIFA Women's World Cup record Qualification record
Year Result Position Pld W D* L GF GA Pld W D* L GF GA
China 1991 Did not qualify UEFA Euro 1991
Sweden 1995 UEFA Euro 1995
United States 1999 6 2 2 2 9 7
United States 2003 Group stage 9th 3 1 1 1 2 3 10 7 1 2 16 10
China 2007 Did not qualify 8 5 2 1 15 4
Germany 2011 Fourth place 4th 6 2 1 3 10 10 12 11 1 0 53 2
Canada 2015 Quarter-finals 5th 5 3 1 1 10 3 10 10 0 0 54 4
France 2019 6th 5 4 0 1 10 4 Qualified as host
Australia New Zealand 2023 6th 5 3 2 0 12 4 10 10 0 0 54 3
Total 5/9 0 Titles 24 13 5 6 44 24 56 45 6 5 201 29
*Draws include knockout matches decided by penalty kicks.

Olympic Games Record

France has played in 3 Olympic football tournaments. Their best finish was fourth place in 2012.

Summer Olympics record
Year Result Position Pld W D L GF GA
United States 1996 Did not qualify
Australia 2000
Greece 2004
China 2008
United Kingdom 2012 Fourth place 4th 6 3 0 3 11 8
Brazil 2016 Quarter-finals 6th 4 2 0 2 7 2
Japan 2020 Did not qualify
France 2024 Quarter-finals 6th 4 2 0 2 6 6
Total 3/8 0 Titles 14 7 0 7 24 16

UEFA Women's Championship Record

France has played in 8 UEFA Women's Championships. Their best finish was reaching the semi-finals in 2022.

UEFA Women's Championship record Qualification record
Year Result Position Pld W D* L GF GA Pld W D* L GF GA P/R Rnk
1984 Did not qualify 6 2 3 1 4 4
Norway 1987 6 1 0 5 7 15
West Germany 1989 10 4 4 2 15 3
Denmark 1991 4 2 0 2 6 7
Italy 1993 4 1 1 2 7 10
EnglandGermanyNorwaySweden 1995 6 4 1 1 9 3
NorwaySweden 1997 Group stage 6th 3 1 1 1 4 5 8 4 3 1 14 6
Germany 2001 6th 3 1 0 2 5 7 6 4 2 0 10 5
England 2005 6th 3 1 1 1 4 5 8 7 0 1 32 7
Finland 2009 Quarter-finals 8th 4 1 2 1 5 7 8 7 0 1 31 2
Sweden 2013 5th 4 3 1 0 8 2 8 8 0 0 32 2
Netherlands 2017 6th 4 1 2 1 3 3 8 8 0 0 27 0
England 2022 Semi-finals 3rd 5 3 1 1 10 5 8 7 1 0 44 0
Switzerland 2025 Qualified 6 4 0 2 8 7 Same position 3rd
Total 8/14 0 Titles 26 11 8 7 39 34 96 63 15 18 246 71 3rd
*Draws include knockout matches decided via penalty shoot-out.

UEFA Women's Nations League Record

France was the runner-up in the 2024 UEFA Women's Nations League.

UEFA Women's Nations League record
League phase Finals
Season LG GP Pos Pld W D L GF GA P/R RK Year Pos Pld W D L GF GA
2023–24 A 2 1st 6 5 1 0 9 1 Same position 2nd France Netherlands Spain 2024 Runners-up 2 1 0 1 2 3
2025 A 2 To be determined 2025 To be determined
Total 6 5 1 0 9 1 2nd Total 0 Titles 2 1 0 1 2 3
Rise Promoted at end of season
Same position No movement at end of season
Fall Relegated at end of season
* Participated in promotion/relegation play-offs

Results and Upcoming Matches

  • Here are the results from the last year and any games scheduled for the future.

      Win       Draw       Loss

2024 Matches

16 July Euro 2025 qualifying Republic of Ireland  3–1 Flag of France.svg France Cork, Ireland
  • O'Sullivan Goal 66'
  • Russell Goal 76'
  • Patten Goal 90'
  • Becho Goal 79'
Stadium: Páirc Uí Chaoimh
Referee: Olatz Rivera Olmedo (Spain)
25 July Olympics Group Stage France  3–2 Flag of Colombia.svg Colombia Décines-Charpieu
21:00
  • Katoto Goal 6'42'
  • Dali Goal 18'
  • Usme Goal 54' (pen.)
  • Paví Goal 64'
Stadium: Stade de Lyon
Referee: Tori Penso (United States)
28 July Olympics Group Stage France  1–2 Flag of Canada (Pantone).svg Canada Saint-Étienne
21:00
  • Katoto Goal 42'
Stadium: Stade Geoffroy-Guichard
Referee: Bouchra Karboubi (Morocco)
31 July Olympics Group Stage New Zealand  1–2 Flag of France.svg France Décines-Charpieu
21:00
  • Taylor Goal 43'
  • Katoto Goal 22'49'
Stadium: Stade de Lyon
Referee: Edina Alves Batista (Brazil)
3 August Olympics Quarter-finals France  0–1 Flag of Brazil.svg Brazil Nantes
21:00
  • Gabi Portilho Goal 82'
Stadium: Stade de la Beaujoire
Referee: Tori Penso (United States)
25 October Friendly France  3–0 Flag of Jamaica.svg Jamaica Montbéliard
21:10
  • Mateo 22
  • Renard 39
  • Batimore 48
Stadium: Stade Auguste-Bonal
Referee: Lizzy van der Helm (Netherlands)
29 October Friendly Switzerland  2–1 Flag of France.svg France Geneva
21:00
Gago Goal 34' Stadium: Stade de Genève
Referee: Silvia Gasperotti (Italy)
30 November Friendly France  2–1 Flag of Nigeria.svg Nigeria Angers
21:10 UTC+1
Onumonu Goal 45+3' Stadium: Stade Raymond Kopa
Referee: Riem Hussein (Germany)
3 December Friendly France  2–4 Flag of Spain.svg Spain Nice
21:00
  • Méndez Goal 37' (o.g.)
  • Diani Goal 71'
  • Bonmatí Goal 6'
  • Pina Goal 23'
  • L. García Goal 60'
  • Caldentey Goal 81' (pen.)
Stadium: Stade de Nice
Attendance: 6,233
Referee: Ionela Peşu (Romania)

2025 Matches

21 February 2025–26 Nations League France  1–0 Flag of Norway.svg Norway Toulouse
21:10 Katoto Goal 73' Stadium: Toulouse Stadium
25 February 2025–26 Nations League France  3–2 Flag of Iceland.svg Iceland Le Mans
21:10
  • Diani Goal 23'
  • Katoto Goal 28'
  • Baltimore Goal 65'
  • Vilhjálmsdóttir Goal 37'
  • Sigurðardóttir Goal 68'
Stadium: Stade Marie-Marvingt
4 April 2025–26 Nations League Switzerland  0–2 Flag of France.svg France St. Gallen
20:00
  • Baltimore Goal 15'
  • Selma Bacha Goal 43'
Stadium: Kybunpark
8 April 2025–26 Nations League Norway  0–2 Flag of France.svg France Oslo
19:00
  • Baltimore Goal 76'
  • Matéo Goal 86'
Stadium: Ullevaal Stadion
30 May 2025–26 Nations League France  4–0 Flag of Switzerland (Pantone).svg Switzerland Tomblaine
21:10
  • Mateo Goal 11'
  • De Almeida Goal 16'
  • Baltimore Goal 19'
  • Geyoro Goal 56'
Stadium: Stade Marcel-Picot
3 June 2025–26 Nations League Iceland  0–2 Flag of France.svg France Reykjavík
18:00 UTC±0
  • Geyoro Goal 74'
  • Baltimore Goal 85'
Stadium: Laugardalsvöllur
20 June Friendly France  5–0 Flag of Belgium (civil).svg Belgium Valenciennes
21:10
  • Gago Goal 17'
  • Malard Goal 42'78'85'
  • Karchaoui Goal 59'
Stadium: Stade du Hainaut
27 June Friendly France  3–2 Flag of Brazil.svg Brazil Grenoble
21:10
  • Geyoro Goal 45'56'
  • Katoto Goal 76'
  • Luany Goal 7'
  • Kerolin Goal 12'
Stadium: Stade des Alpes
Attendance: 13,100
Referee: Ewa Augustyn (Poland)
5 July UEFA Euro 2025 Group Stage France  2–1 Flag of England.svg England Zurich
20:00 BST
  • Katoto Goal 36'
  • Baltimore Goal 39'
  • Peyraud-Magnin Booked in the 90+1th minute 90+1'
  • Toone Booked in the 75th minute 75'
  • Walsh Goal 87'
Stadium: Letzigrund
Attendance: 22,542
Referee: Tess Olofsson (Sweden)
9 July UEFA Euro 2025 Group Stage France  4–1 Flag of Wales (1959–present).svg Wales St. Gallen
  • Mateo Goal 8'
  • Diani Goal 45+1' (pen.)
  • Majri Goal 53'
  • Geyoro Goal 63'
Stadium: Arena St.Gallen
Attendance: 15,886
Referee: Désirée Grundbacher (Switzerland)
13 July UEFA Euro 2025 Group Stage Netherlands  2–5 Flag of France.svg France Basel
  • Pelova Goal 26'
  • Bacha Goal 41' (o.g.)
  • Toletti Goal 22'
  • Katoto Goal 61'
  • Cascarino Goal 64'67'
  • Karchaoui Goal 90+2' (pen.)
Stadium: St. Jakob-Park
Attendance: 34,133
Referee: Ivana Martinčić (Croatia)
19 July UEFA Euro 2025 Quarter-finals France  v Flag of Germany.svg Germany Basel
21:00 Stadium: St. Jakob-Park
24 October 2025 Nations League Semi-finals Germany  v Flag of France.svg France
28 October 2025 Nations League Semi-finals France  v Flag of Germany.svg Germany Caen
26 November 2025 UEFA Nations League 3rd/F France  v TBD Reims
2 December 2025 UEFA Nations League 3rd/F TBD v Flag of France.svg France

Coaching Staff

Current Coaches

As of December 1, 2024.
Position Name
Head coach France Laurent Bonadei
Assistant coaches France Stéphane Saillant
France Sabrina Viguier
Goalkeeping coach France Lionel Letizi
Physical trainer France Thomas Pavillon
Mental trainer France Thomas Sammut

Past Managers

  • France Pierre Geoffroy (1971–1978)
  • France Francis-Pierre Coché (1978–1987)
  • France Aimé Mignot (1987–1997)
  • France Élisabeth Loisel (1997–2007)
  • France Bruno Bini (2007–2013)
  • France Philippe Bergeroo (2013–2016)
  • France Olivier Echouafni (2016–2017)
  • France Corinne Diacre (2017–2023)
  • France Hervé Renard (2023–2024)
  • France Laurent Bonadei (2024–present)

Players

Current Team Squad

The following 23 players were chosen for the UEFA Women's Euro 2025.

Player information is correct as of July 13, 2025, after the match against Netherlands.

No. Pos. Player Date of birth (age) Caps Goals Club
1 1GK Justine Lerond (2000-02-29) 29 February 2000 (age 25) 0 0 France Montpellier
16 1GK Pauline Peyraud-Magnin (1992-03-17) 17 March 1992 (age 33) 68 0 Italy Juventus
21 1GK Constance Picaud (1998-07-05) 5 July 1998 (age 27) 13 0 France Fleury

2 2DF Thiniba Samoura (2004-02-11) 11 February 2004 (age 21) 9 0 France Paris Saint-Germain
3 2DF Maëlle Lakrar (2000-05-27) 27 May 2000 (age 25) 31 3 Spain Real Madrid
4 2DF Alice Sombath (2003-10-16) 16 October 2003 (age 21) 7 0 France Lyon
5 2DF Élisa De Almeida (1998-01-11) 11 January 1998 (age 27) 46 5 France Paris Saint-Germain
7 2DF Sakina Karchaoui (1996-01-26) 26 January 1996 (age 29) 92 4 France Paris Saint-Germain
13 2DF Selma Bacha (2000-11-09) 9 November 2000 (age 24) 49 3 France Lyon
19 2DF Griedge Mbock Bathy (captain) (1995-02-26) 26 February 1995 (age 30) 92 8 France Paris Saint-Germain
22 2DF Melween N'Dongala (2004-09-06) 6 September 2004 (age 20) 6 0 France Paris FC
23 2DF Lou Bogaert (2004-06-25) 25 June 2004 (age 21) 6 0 France Paris FC

6 3MF Sandie Toletti (1995-07-13) 13 July 1995 (age 30) 72 4 Spain Real Madrid
8 3MF Grace Geyoro (1997-07-02) 2 July 1997 (age 28) 102 22 France Paris Saint-Germain
10 3MF Amel Majri (1993-01-25) 25 January 1993 (age 32) 81 13 France Lyon
18 3MF Oriane Jean-François (2001-08-14) 14 August 2001 (age 23) 16 0 England Chelsea

9 4FW Melvine Malard (2000-06-28) 28 June 2000 (age 25) 31 9 England Manchester United
11 4FW Kadidiatou Diani (1995-04-01) 1 April 1995 (age 30) 117 31 France Lyon
12 4FW Marie-Antoinette Katoto (1998-11-01) 1 November 1998 (age 26) 58 40 France Lyon
14 4FW Clara Mateo (1997-11-28) 28 November 1997 (age 27) 40 8 France Paris FC
15 4FW Kelly Gago (1999-01-05) 5 January 1999 (age 26) 7 2 England Everton
17 4FW Sandy Baltimore (2000-02-19) 19 February 2000 (age 25) 46 10 England Chelsea
20 4FW Delphine Cascarino (1997-02-05) 5 February 1997 (age 28) 78 16 United States San Diego Wave

Recent Players Called Up

These players have also been called to the squad in the last 12 months.


Pos. Player Date of birth (age) Caps Goals Club Latest call-up
GK Marie Petiteau (2002-06-12) 12 June 2002 (age 23) 0 0 France Montpellier v. Flag of Norway.svg Norway, 8 April 2025
GK Marie-Morgane Sieber (2002-07-15) 15 July 2002 (age 23) 0 0 France Guingamp v. Flag of Spain.svg Spain, 3 December 2024
GK Solène Durand (1994-11-20) 20 November 1994 (age 30) 4 0 Italy Sassuolo 2024 Summer Olympics

DF Wendie Renard (1990-07-20) 20 July 1990 (age 35) 168 39 France Lyon v. Flag of Norway.svg Norway, 8 April 2025 INJ
DF Estelle Cascarino (1997-02-05) 5 February 1997 (age 28) 18 1 Italy Juventus v. Flag of Spain.svg Spain, 3 December 2024
DF Jade Le Guilly (2002-06-18) 18 June 2002 (age 23) 2 0 France Paris Saint-Germain v. Flag of Spain.svg Spain, 3 December 2024
DF Maelys Mpomé (2003-02-23) 23 February 2003 (age 22) 0 0 England Chelsea v. Flag of Switzerland (Pantone).svg Switzerland, 29 October 2024
DF Ève Périsset (1994-12-24) 24 December 1994 (age 30) 61 4 Unattached 2024 Summer Olympics

MF Kenza Dali (1991-07-31) 31 July 1991 (age 33) 76 13 United States San Diego Wave v. Flag of Norway.svg Norway, 8 April 2025
MF Margaux Le Mouël (2001-08-08) 8 August 2001 (age 23) 2 0 France Marseille v. Flag of Spain.svg Spain, 3 December 2024
MF Amandine Henry (1989-09-28) 28 September 1989 (age 35) 109 14 Mexico Toluca 2024 Summer Olympics RET
MF Léa Le Garrec (1993-07-09) 9 July 1993 (age 32) 15 2 Saudi Arabia Al Qadsiah 2024 Summer Olympics
MF Inès Benyahia (2003-05-26) 26 May 2003 (age 22) 0 0 France Lyon 2024 Summer Olympics PRE

FW Kessya Bussy (2001-06-19) 19 June 2001 (age 24) 7 1 Germany VfL Wolfsburg v. Flag of Iceland.svg Iceland, 3 June 2025
FW Eugénie Le Sommer (1989-05-18) 18 May 1989 (age 36) 200 94 Mexico Toluca v. Flag of Norway.svg Norway, 8 April 2025
FW Vicki Bècho (2003-10-03) 3 October 2003 (age 21) 19 2 France Lyon v. Flag of Spain.svg Spain, 3 December 2024
FW Naomie Feller (2001-11-06) 6 November 2001 (age 23) 7 1 Spain Real Madrid v. Flag of Spain.svg Spain, 3 December 2024
FW Julie Dufour (2001-01-29) 29 January 2001 (age 24) 8 0 United States Angel City v. Flag of Switzerland (Pantone).svg Switzerland, 29 October 2024
FW Cindy Caputo (1999-02-07) 7 February 1999 (age 26) 2 0 France Fleury v. Flag of Switzerland (Pantone).svg Switzerland, 29 October 2024
FW Louna Ribadeira (2004-08-18) 18 August 2004 (age 20) 1 0 England Chelsea 2024 Summer Olympics PRE

Notes
  • INJ = Player was injured and withdrew
  • PRE = Player was in the preliminary squad
  • RET = Player retired from the national team

Team Records

These tables show the players with the most games played (caps) and most goals scored for France.

Records are updated after the match against Netherlands.
Players in bold are still playing for France.

Team Achievements

Major Competitions

  • UEFA Women's Nations League
    • Med 2.png Runners-up (1): 2024

Friendly Tournaments

  • Cyprus Cup
    • Winners: 2012, 2014
  • SheBelieves Cup
    • Winner: 2017
  • Tournoi de France
    • Winner: 2020, 2022, 2023

Images for kids

See also

Kids robot.svg In Spanish: Selección femenina de fútbol de Francia para niños

kids search engine
France women's national football team Facts for Kids. Kiddle Encyclopedia.