Joseph Downing

The French football team has made the World Cup final for the first time since 2006—and 20 years after it won the trophy on home soil in 1998. “Les Bleus,” as they’re called, are back in the nation’s good books, celebrated for their excellent performance in this year’s tournament. However, out of the limelight and the glare of success in Russia 2018, a question remains dogging French football—the role of race and class in the selection of national players.