France Women Rugby League World Cup Squad 2026
France have played at three Women’s Rugby League World Cups before this one, and they’re still chasing their first big result on the world stage.
Their 2026 campaign started with a heavy loss in Port Moresby, and now they face the Kiwi Ferns.
France have named a 23-player squad for the Women’s Rugby League World Cup 2026, coached by Alan Walsh, after qualifying with a 58-0 win over Serbia.
They play New Zealand at One New Zealand Stadium in Christchurch on Sunday 25 October, before facing Fiji on the Gold Coast.
Below, you’ll find the full 23-player squad, the Round 1 result, France’s World Cup history, every fixture and how to watch.
We’ll update this page with team lists, results and team news throughout the tournament, so it’s worth bookmarking.
Quick Answer: France at the Women’s World Cup 2026
- Squad: 23 players, named on 7 October 2026
- Coach: Alan Walsh
- Round 1: PNG 58-4 France, Port Moresby
- Next match: New Zealand v France, Sunday 25 October, Christchurch
- Group: Group B with New Zealand, Fiji and PNG
- Qualified: Beat Serbia 58-0 in June 2024
France Women Squad for the Rugby League World Cup 2026
Here is the full 23-player squad, as released on NRL.com.
| Players | Players | Players |
|---|---|---|
| Elisa Akpa | Tessa Benmalek | Leila Bessahli |
| Stecy Bessiere | Camille Boudaud | Margot Canal |
| Lisa Diraison | Chahrazad Himoudi | Haoua Kessely |
| Tallis Kuresa | Melissa Medina | Perrine Monsarrat |
| Elodie Pacull | Perle Ramazeilles | Fanny Ramos |
| Justine Roses | Manon Samarra | Noemie Samuel |
| Salome Segala | Cristina Song Puche | Louisa Tooman |
| Sarah Louise Vernay | Amael Vilanove |
Coach Alan Walsh named his 23 players on 7 October 2026, ten days before the opening game in Port Moresby.
Tallis Kuresa has captained France this year, and Manon Samarra is among the attacking threats.
Samarra scored France’s first try of the tournament against PNG in Port Moresby.
France are in Group B with New Zealand, Fiji and PNG, and only the top two reach the semi-finals.
PNG vs France Result
France lost 58-4 to the PNG Orchids at Santos National Football Stadium in Port Moresby on Saturday 17 October.
PNG were 32 points clear at half-time, and Naomi Kelly scored four tries for the home side.
Manon Samarra crossed early in the second half for France’s only try.
It was a tough start in front of PNG’s home fans. See how PNG did it on our PNG Orchids World Cup squad page.
France Women’s World Cup History
France have played at three previous Women’s Rugby League World Cups, in 2008, 2013 and 2021.
Their best moment came in 2008, when they beat Tonga 34-4.
At the last World Cup, played in England in 2022, they lost to New Zealand, Australia and the Cook Islands.
They qualified for 2026 by beating Serbia 58-0 in Belgrade in June 2024.
This is their fourth World Cup, and their first in the Southern Hemisphere since 2008.
France Women Fixtures at the World Cup
| Date | Match | Venue | Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sat 17 Oct | PNG v France | Santos National Football Stadium, Port Moresby | PNG won 58-4 |
| Sun 25 Oct | New Zealand v France | One New Zealand Stadium, Christchurch | To be played |
| Sat 31 Oct | Fiji v France | Cbus Super Stadium, Gold Coast | To be played |
The Christchurch game is a double-header with the Kiwis vs Cook Islands in the men’s World Cup.
France’s best chance of a win is likely to come against Fiji on the Gold Coast on 31 October.
Fiji are also playing their first Women’s World Cup, so that game could be close.
The top two in Group B reach the semi-finals. See every women’s game in our Women’s Rugby League World Cup 2026 guide.
Who Is the France Women Coach?
Alan Walsh is the France women’s head coach, and he led the team through qualifying.
His side beat Serbia 58-0 to book their place, and lined up games against England and Nigeria this year to prepare.
His challenge at the World Cup is to build on a tough opening loss and compete with the Pacific teams.
The men’s team has had a hard start too. See their squad on our France Rugby League World Cup squad page.
How to Watch France at the Women’s World Cup
Every France match is live on the Seven Network and 7plus in Australia, Sky Sport in New Zealand and Premier Sports in the UK.
France’s local broadcaster for the tournament hasn’t been confirmed yet. We’ll add it here once it’s announced.
Following Les Bleues from France? A VPN like NordVPN keeps your home streaming account working and protects you on public Wi-Fi. (We may earn a commission.)
Tickets for the Gold Coast game start from $19 AUD on Ticketmaster.
France Women World Cup Squad: FAQ
Here are quick answers to the questions fans ask most about France at the Women’s World Cup.
Each answer starts with the key fact, so you can find it fast.
For full details, see the sections above.
Who is in the France women’s squad for the 2026 World Cup?
France named 23 players, including Tallis Kuresa and Manon Samarra.
Alan Walsh is the coach.
They qualified by beating Serbia 58-0.
What was the PNG vs France women’s score?
PNG beat France 58-4 in Port Moresby on 17 October 2026.
Naomi Kelly scored four tries for PNG.
Manon Samarra scored for France.
When do France play New Zealand in the Women’s World Cup?
France play the Kiwi Ferns on Sunday 25 October 2026.
The game is at One New Zealand Stadium in Christchurch.
It’s a double-header with Kiwis vs Cook Islands.
How many Women’s Rugby League World Cups have France played?
France have played at three, in 2008, 2013 and 2021.
2026 is their fourth.
Their best result was a 34-4 win over Tonga in 2008.
Conclusion
France are at their fourth Women’s Rugby League World Cup, with a 23-player squad coached by Alan Walsh.
A 58-4 loss to PNG was a tough start, and the Kiwi Ferns in Christchurch will be another big test.
Their last group game against Fiji on the Gold Coast gives them a real chance of a first win of the tournament.
Size up their next opponents on our Kiwi Ferns World Cup squad page.
