France, the best place to host a World Cup?

The 2023 Rugby World Cup in France marks the third time in 25 years that the country has staged a sporting World Cup and after just one week, it’s clear that sports fans are in for another showstopping spectacle that will provide lifelong memories. 

French Rugby Looking to Emulate 1998 Soccer Heroes 

This is especially true if you’re a French fan as Fabien Galthié’s men are joint favourites to win the tournament with the latest

listing both Les Bleus and the Springboks at +275 to go all the way.

France have been impressive so far with a statement opening game against the All Blacks and a comfortable win over Uruguay. Dispatching the Kiwis in this manner is a promising sign of things to come and might convince some fans that the bookies aren't seeing the true strength of this side. This

will give you a better idea of this with a $10 bet on France winning the World Cup currently returning a profit of £27.50. 

Additionally, this is a nation that 0ften thrives with home support as they proved in 1998 when Didier Deschamps lifted

trophy on home soil. 

France have lost out in 3 Rugby World Cup finals but all of which were in foreign territory. In 1998, they were the underdogs in the final against Brazil, but a roaring home crowd inspired the players to pull off the impossible against the likes of Ronaldo, Rivaldo, and Roberto Carlos.

That tournament spectacularly proved that there may not be a better host nation than France when it comes to World Cups. But what is it exactly that makes France the ideal place for the world’s best teams to come together and decide who is the greatest?

The inspiring combination of scenery and sport 

To start with, France is one of the most picturesque countries in the world which means that the stadiums often have breathtaking backdrops that evoke a sense of awe.

A good example of this was during South Africa's opening game of the 2023 World Cup against

. The early evening kick-off gave viewers around the world a chance to see the setting sun over the Mediterranean

—

a sight that many people spend their lives hoping to experience. Any chance the TV directors got, they would switch to the drone circling high above the Stade Vélodrome and for a moment, you were in the fabled South of France. 

While the south of the country provides impressive stadiums dotted around France’s crystalline shores and dramatic mountains, Paris is the beating heart of the World Cup with the Stade de France stadium hosting the grand opening ceremonies and finals. 

Many people will buy tickets for the pinnacle of rugby and the passionate fans, but only when they arrive will they truly appreciate

a World Cup in France as this nation continues to provide sporting escapism that can’t be matched elsewhere.