Les Bleus unite a nation
Zidane, Deschamps, Thuram, and Henry embodied a multicultural squad that paraded down the Champs Elysees after the final whistle. Hosting removed travel fatigue for France while opponents crossed time zones. The win gave France its first star and a template for the 2018 repeat two decades later on Russian soil.
Brazil's stunned final
Brazil arrived as favorites but fell apart on the night at Stade de France. Ronaldo still scored four goals earlier in the tournament. Documentaries still debate the pre match lineup drama and medical headlines. On the pitch, Zidane's twin headers decided the trophy before Petit added a third in Saint Denis.
Croatia's debut run to bronze
Third place for Croatia announced a generation that would later reach the 2018 final against France. Davor Suker won Golden Boot with six goals. Their checkered shirts became iconic for neutral fans who adopted Croatia whenever their own nations exited early in the knockout bracket.
Other memories from France 98
David Beckham's red card against Argentina fueled years of tabloid coverage in England. Netherlands lost another semifinal on penalties, continuing Dutch heartbreak. Nigeria and Denmark thrilled groups before falling in the round of sixteen with speed and flair that highlight reels still recycle.
Stadiums and travel
Ten venues across France hosted matches from Paris to Marseille. Fans discovered high speed trains between cities long before 2026 multi city planning became normal in North America across the United States, Canada, and Mexico on /world-cup-2026.
France's later titles
France added 2018 on Russian soil with Mbappe emerging. Compare eras on /world-cup-winners. 2026 may feature France as contender again on /world-cup-2026/teams/fra after UEFA qualifying closes.
Final score quick facts
France 3-0 Brazil remains the headline answer for searches about who won 1998. Zidane scored twice from corners. Petit sealed the scoreline late. Brazil's Ronaldo era continued without the trophy that night despite individual brilliance earlier in the tournament.
Link to neighboring 2006 and 2010
Italy won next in Germany at /world-cup-2006. Spain followed in South Africa at /world-cup-2010. France 98 sits between USA 94 hosting and Korea Japan 2002 as the last twentieth century World Cup with thirty two teams after expansion debates began.
Related coverage
Frequently asked questions
What was the 1998 World Cup final score?+
France 3-0 Brazil at Stade de France in Saint Denis with two Zinedine Zidane headers.
Who scored for France in the 1998 final?+
Zidane twice from corners and Emmanuel Petit added a late third goal to seal the win.
Who won the 1998 Golden Boot?+
Davor Suker of Croatia with six goals during the tournament including knockout stage strikes.
Who won the 1998 Golden Ball?+
Ronaldo of Brazil despite the final loss, reflecting his four goals earlier in the competition.
Who finished third in 1998?+
Croatia beat Netherlands in the third place match during their memorable debut World Cup run.
Where was the 1998 final played?+
Stade de France in Saint Denis near Paris, the national stadium built for the tournament.
Which World Cup came after 1998?+
Korea and Japan co hosted in 2002. See /world-cup-2002 for the first Asian World Cup.
How many World Cups has France won?+
Two: 1998 and 2018. France remain among the elite nations on /world-cup-winners-list.