Donate

Play Live Radio

Next Up:

0:00

0:00 0:00

Available On Air Stations

A graphic showing individuals reading a paper, listening to the radio, watching video, using a computer and using a phone.

Survey: How do you get your news and entertainment?

Tell us how you use the radio, along with social media, smartphones, tablets, streaming and the web to stay connected to entertainment, news and updates from MTPR and other sources. Whether you use all these things or none, your response is helpful.

From playground to pitch: How France produces World Cup talent

NPR | By Eleanor Beardsley

Published June 18, 2026 at 2:45 AM MDT

France's team is among the favorites to win this year's World Cup. France has reached four of the last seven World Cup finals and won two.

Eleanor Beardsley

Eleanor Beardsley began reporting from France for NPR in 2004 as a freelance journalist, following all aspects of French society, politics, economics, culture and gastronomy. Since then, she has steadily worked her way to becoming an integral part of the NPR Europe reporting team.

Make a monthly donation

Become a sustaining member for as low as $5/month

Make a one-time donation

Make an annual or one-time donation to support MTPR

Pay pledge or update info

Pay an existing pledge or update your payment information