French National Team Hosts NFL Star Bijan Robinson Ahead of 2026 World Cup

The visit highlights growing collaboration between American and French sports leagues

Mar. 25, 2026 at 6:03am

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The French national football team, known as Les Bleus, is currently in the United States preparing for upcoming matches, including a friendly against Brazil. During their training camp, the team hosted Atlanta Falcons running back Bijan Robinson, symbolizing a growing partnership between the French Football Federation (FFF) and the NFL.

Why it matters

The interaction between Robinson and French stars like Kylian Mbappé and Aurélien Tchouaméni demonstrates the increasing recognition and appreciation of different sports cultures. This crossover event points to broader trends, including the NFL's efforts to expand its international reach and the universal appeal of elite athletes across sports.

The details

Robinson's visit to the French team's Clairefontaine training center was part of a collaboration between the FFF and the NFL. Several players, including captain Kylian Mbappé and Tchouaméni, exchanged jerseys with Robinson, symbolizing this partnership. Additionally, Nike unveiled the second kit for Les Bleus for the 2026 World Cup, which pays homage to the Statue of Liberty, acknowledging the strong historical ties between the United States and France.

  • The French national team is currently in the United States preparing for upcoming matches, including a friendly against Brazil on March 26th.

The players

Bijan Robinson

An Atlanta Falcons running back who visited the French national team during their training camp.

Kylian Mbappé

The captain of the French national team and one of the world's most recognizable football players.

Aurélien Tchouaméni

A French national team player who exchanged jerseys with Bijan Robinson during the visit.

French Football Federation (FFF)

The governing body of football in France, which is partnering with the NFL to foster collaboration between the two sports.

National Football League (NFL)

The professional American football league that is actively seeking to expand its international reach, including through partnerships with established footballing nations like France.

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What’s next

The French national team will continue their preparations for the 2026 World Cup, including a friendly match against Brazil on March 26th.

The takeaway

The visit of Bijan Robinson to the French national team's training camp highlights the growing collaboration between American and French sports leagues, as well as the universal appeal of elite athletes across different sports. This exchange suggests future trends, such as increased cross-sport promotion, athlete crossovers, and the continued international expansion of leagues like the NFL.