When it comes to the Portugal national football team vs France national football team stats, few rivalries in European football history are as rich in drama, talent, and big-match moments. These two powerhouses have met 28 times across competitions and friendlies. The statistics reflect a strong historical edge for France, although Portugal has had crucial victories when it mattered most — including their legendary win at Euro 2016.
France leads the all-time head-to-head, winning 19 out of 28 matches. Portugal, by contrast, has won 6 times, with 3 matches ending in draws. France has also outscored Portugal, netting 52 goals compared to Portugal’s 31 goals. Many of France’s wins came in friendlies and early tournaments, while Portugal’s wins include some of the most memorable competitive finals.
Here’s a quick breakdown:
All-Time Portugal vs France Stats Table
| Stat | Portugal | France |
|---|---|---|
| Matches Played | 28 | 28 |
| Wins | 6 | 19 |
| Draws | 3 | 3 |
| Total Goals Scored | 31 | 52 |
| First Match (1926) | 0 | 4 |
| Most Recent Match (2024) | 0 (3 pens) | 0 (5 pens) |
| Euro Final Wins | 1 (2016) | 0 |
| World Cup Wins | 0 | 1 (2006) |
| UEFA Nations League Wins | 1 | 1 |
“France has dominated historically, but Portugal wins the moments that matter.”
It’s important to note that Portugal’s few wins came in critical moments, such as the UEFA Euro 2016 Final, where an extra-time goal from Éder shocked the French crowd in Paris. That win marked Portugal’s first major international title, shifting the narrative in this rivalry from dominance to dramatic balance.
The head-to-head data shows a pattern of France having the upper hand, especially in terms of consistency, but Portugal is never to be underestimated. Every meeting between these sides tends to be tight, emotional, and high-stakes, and fans around the world pay close attention whenever they share the pitch.
Table of Contents
Recent Meetings & Form (Last 6–8 Fixtures)
In the recent decade, the Portugal national football team vs France national football team matches have become even more intense. With world-class talents like Cristiano Ronaldo, Kylian Mbappé, Antoine Griezmann, and Bernardo Silva, these fixtures draw global attention. Though France leads in historical wins, recent results show a more balanced rivalry.
Between 2014 and 2024, the two teams met six times in competitive matches. France won 3, Portugal won 1, and 2 games ended in a draw. A key moment came in UEFA Euro 2024, where both teams played a tense 0–0 draw, which France won in the penalty shootout (5–3). While there were no goals in regular time, the match was full of high-level defending and near-misses.
Here’s a summary of their last 6 competitive encounters:
Last 6 Matches Summary
| Date | Competition | Result | Venue |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jul 5, 2024 | Euro 2024 QF | 0–0 (France win pens) | Hamburg, Germany |
| Jun 23, 2021 | Euro 2020 Group F | 2–2 Draw | Budapest, Hungary |
| Oct 11, 2020 | Nations League | 0–0 Draw | Paris, France |
| Nov 14, 2020 | Nations League | France 1–0 | Lisbon, Portugal |
| Jul 10, 2016 | Euro 2016 Final | Portugal 1–0 (ET) | Paris, France |
| Sep 4, 2015 | Friendly | France 1–0 | Lisbon, Portugal |
As seen, Portugal may not win often, but when they do — it’s historic. The Euro 2016 final is one such iconic win. Meanwhile, France has often edged out wins or held firm in draws, especially in the UEFA Nations League and Euro group stages.
Competitive Fixtures vs Friendlies
Not all matches are created equal. When reviewing Portugal vs France stats, it’s important to separate competitive matches (Euros, World Cup, Nations League) from friendlies. France has won the majority of friendlies, but Portugal tends to rise during high-stakes games.
Major Tournament Showdowns
France and Portugal have met in several high-pressure knockout games. These include UEFA Euro 1984, 2000, 2016, and the 2006 FIFA World Cup. In Euro 1984 and 2000, France knocked Portugal out in the semi-finals, including a controversial golden-goal penalty in 2000.
However, Portugal flipped the script in 2016, defeating France 1–0 in the final on French soil. That was the defining match of the rivalry and gave Portugal their first-ever European trophy.
“France had the edge in semis, but Portugal took the crown in the final.”
Nations League Record
These sides have faced off twice in the UEFA Nations League in 2020:
- Match 1: 0–0 draw (Paris)
- Match 2: France won 1–0 (Lisbon)
While close, France walked away with the better record.
Friendly Matches
France has a commanding record in friendlies. Out of 21 total friendlies since 1926, France has won 15, Portugal 5, and 1 draw. However, many of these occurred before the 1980s, when Portugal’s national team was still developing its modern identity.
In-Depth Match Stats & xG Insights
Beyond the scoreline, the Portugal national football team vs France national football team stats show deep tactical and statistical trends. Both teams usually have similar possession rates, strong defensive systems, and rely on moments of brilliance.
Let’s take a look at match stats from the Euro 2024 quarter-final, which ended 0–0 and went to penalties.
Euro 2024 QF – Key Stats
| Category | Portugal | France |
|---|---|---|
| Possession | 53% | 47% |
| Shots (on target) | 15 (4) | 10 (2) |
| Pass Accuracy | 90% | 88% |
| Corners | 6 | 3 |
| Fouls | 12 | 14 |
| Yellow Cards | 2 | 2 |
Despite having more possession and shots, Portugal couldn’t convert chances, while France played for structure and counter-attacks. There was no xG (expected goals) data officially released, but analysts estimate:
- Portugal xG: 1.2
- France xG: 0.7
“The game was tight, tactical, and decided by nerve — not open play.”
Highlight Matches & Key Moments
Certain clashes between France and Portugal are remembered forever:
Euro 2016 Final
- Date: July 10, 2016
- Venue: Stade de France
- Result: Portugal 1–0 France (ET)
- Hero: Éder’s long-range strike in the 109th minute
- Moment: Ronaldo’s injury, emotional sideline coaching, and redemption
Euro 2024 Quarter-Final
- Date: July 5, 2024
- Result: 0–0, France win 5–3 on penalties
- Highlight: Ronaldo’s missed penalty, Mbappé’s leadership, and Theo Hernández’s winning shot
Euro 2000 Semi-Final
- Controversy: France won via a golden-goal penalty after Abel Xavier’s handball, leading to outrage in Portugal
“From heartbreak to glory, this rivalry is about emotion as much as skill.”
Player Comparison & Records
Several legends have shaped this rivalry:
- Cristiano Ronaldo: Portugal’s top scorer in this rivalry, including 3 goals across Euros
- Antoine Griezmann: France’s key playmaker, heavily involved in assists
- Kylian Mbappé: Yet to score vs Portugal but has shown explosive pace
- Pepe & Varane: Anchored defenses in multiple tournaments
Top Scorers in Head-to-Head
| Player | Goals vs Opponent |
|---|---|
| Cristiano Ronaldo | 3 |
| Griezmann | 2 |
| Éder | 1 (iconic) |
Tactical & Style Evolution
France plays a fluid 4-2-3-1 or 4-3-3, focusing on pace, structure, and transitions. Portugal, especially under Fernando Santos and Roberto Martínez, plays a possession-heavy, cautious style with bursts of attacking intent.
- France strengths: Counter-attack, depth in midfield, fast wings
- Portugal strengths: Midfield control, set-pieces, veteran leadership
The balance often leads to tight, low-scoring games decided by a single moment.
What Fans & Analysts Say
Fans describe this as a “European heavyweight clash” — one built on history, redemption, and pride. Analysts praise France’s consistency but admire Portugal’s fight and emotional highs. Euro 2000’s controversy, Euro 2016’s shock, and Euro 2024’s drama continue to stir debate online.
“Portugal wins hearts, France wins records.” – BBC Sports Analyst
Trends & Outlook for Future Matches
Looking ahead, both teams remain top contenders in Europe. With Ronaldo nearing retirement and Mbappé entering his prime, the dynamics are shifting. Google Trends shows rising interest around “Portugal vs France stats“, especially during tournaments.
Expect more close games in:
- UEFA Nations League 2025
- Euro 2028 qualifiers
- Possible World Cup 2026 knockout stages
FAQs (100 Words Each)
Q1: How many times have Portugal and France played each other?
They have played 28 times. France won 19, Portugal won 6, and 3 matches ended in draws. These games span friendlies and tournaments like the UEFA Euro and FIFA World Cup.
Q2: Who scored the winning goal in Euro 2016 final?
Éder scored the winning goal for Portugal in extra time, helping them beat France 1–0 and win their first European Championship.
Q3: What is the most recent match between Portugal and France?
The most recent match was on July 5, 2024, in the Euro 2024 quarter-finals. It ended 0–0 and France won 5–3 in the penalty shootout.
Q4: Who has scored more goals in the rivalry?
France has scored 52 goals, while Portugal has scored 31. This shows France’s dominance in earlier decades.
Q5: Which team has won more competitive games?
France leads in overall wins, but Portugal won key matches like the Euro 2016 final. In Euros and World Cups, France still leads on paper.
Conclusion: A Rivalry of Records and Redemption
The Portugal national football team vs France national football team stats reveal a clash of giants. France holds the edge in history and numbers, but Portugal has delivered knockout blows when it matters most. From Éder’s strike in 2016 to the shootout drama in 2024, every encounter adds to a rivalry packed with legacy and emotion. Fans can only expect more drama in the years to come.
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