Antoine Griezmann at the 2026 World Cup
Antoine Griezmann arrives at his fourth World Cup as France's tactical glue, the player who connects Mbappé to the midfield. At 35, he has 44 international goals in 137 caps — both top-three all-time for France — and lifted the trophy as a starter in 2018. Prediction markets continue to price France as a top-four contender, with Griezmann's positioning making it possible for Mbappé to play higher up.
At a glance
Why Griezmann is the player France can't replace
Mbappé scores the goals, but Griezmann lets him score them. France's tactical setup uses Griezmann as a second striker who drops into midfield to receive the ball, creating the space Mbappé attacks. No other French player can fill that role; the closest backup options change the shape of the team entirely.
His Atlético Madrid year has been strong rather than spectacular. Diego Simeone has used him in a similar dual-role to Deschamps and the numbers have remained at his career baseline. There is no obvious decline.
Deschamps has confirmed Griezmann will start every knockout match in 2026 he is available for. The market reads that as a structural positive for France's outright price.
World Cup record and career
Griezmann has 4 World Cup goals across three tournaments. The most famous remains his goal in the 2018 final against Croatia, which France won. He was named to the team of the tournament in both 2014 and 2018.
His 44 international goals in 137 caps put him third on the all-time French scoring list behind Mbappé and Olivier Giroud. He has never missed a major tournament with France since 2014.
The 2026 World Cup is almost certainly his last. He has not committed to retirement publicly but at 35 he would be 39 by the 2030 tournament and has spoken about prioritising family time.
Key matchups to watch
Against Spain in a hypothetical knockout, Griezmann would face Rodri in midfield — the matchup that effectively decides whether France can hold the ball against Spain's press.
Against England, Griezmann's deeper positioning lets Mbappé attack the right channel where Bukayo Saka has to track back. The market views the matchup as decisive in any France–England rematch.
Against Argentina, Griezmann would line up against Rodrigo De Paul in the 2022 final rematch. The midfield contest is where that fixture was effectively won and lost.
What the betting markets say
France's 13–16% outright probability already prices in Griezmann starting every knockout game. His role is less individually celebrated than Mbappé's but the market reads him as nearly as structurally important.
Griezmann's individual MVP price is around 1.5% — too high for a 35-year-old creator who isn't expected to score, which signals the market sees him as the most likely Frenchman to win the award if Mbappé does not.
Most actionable market: 'Griezmann to assist Mbappé's first goal of the tournament' at roughly 18–22% — a clean read on France's tactical setup. Live odds for these markets are above.
Frequently asked questions
Is Antoine Griezmann playing in the 2026 World Cup?
Yes. Griezmann is a confirmed France starter under Didier Deschamps and is expected to play as a second striker behind Mbappé. The 2026 tournament will be his fourth and almost certainly final World Cup.
How many World Cup goals does Griezmann have?
Griezmann has 4 World Cup goals across three tournaments, including a goal in the 2018 World Cup final against Croatia that France won.
What club does Griezmann play for?
Griezmann plays for Atlético Madrid, where he returned in 2021 after a spell at Barcelona. He is the club's longest-serving senior player and one of its captains.
How old will Griezmann be at the 2026 World Cup?
Griezmann was born on 21 March 1991 and will be 35 throughout the tournament.
Will Griezmann retire after the 2026 World Cup?
Griezmann has not formally announced retirement timing, but at 35 the 2026 tournament is widely expected to be his last World Cup. He would be 39 by the 2030 tournament.
What position does Griezmann play for France?
Griezmann plays as a second striker for France, dropping into midfield to receive possession and creating space for Mbappé to attack. The role is unique to him in the France squad.
How many international goals does Griezmann have?
Griezmann has 44 international goals in 137 caps for France — third all-time behind Mbappé and Olivier Giroud.