Les Bleus will be making a record 4th straight appearance in the World Cup and are the reigning runner-ups from the tournament; however, their qualifying campaign stirred up great controversy.
The French almost didn't qualify for the World Cup. They finished second in their group, behind Serbia, and needed a two-legged playoff victory over the Republic of Ireland to reach the tournament.
The first leg of the playoff, played in Dublin, was won by the French, 1-0. Extra time was needed in the second game in Paris, and it was a play in that over-time period that would cause all the commotion.
Thierry Henry blatantly controlled the ball with his hand in the Irish box before setting up William Gallas for what were turn out to be the decisive goal in the series as the French won 2-1 on aggregate.
The blown called sparked controversy for weeks and was compared to the "Hand of God" goal that Diego Maradona scored. It even brought up the 
possibility of having instant replay in soccer.
The French will have to move on from the Zinedine Zidane era, but still have a talented roster that could lead to World Cup glory.
Les Bleus will be led by former French U-21 coach Raymond Domenech. Domenech is disliked by many French fans and will need a successful tournament to win over the loyalty of the supporters.
France will be competing in their 13th World Cup, having reached the semi-finals in three previous tournaments, were champions in '98, and were runners up in Germany.
Many people will want the French to fail miserably in South Africa, believing they don't deserve to be there. The French will be there; however, and with the squad Domenech has put together, they are legitimate contenders to make a repeat appearance in the finals.
Coach-
Raymond Domenech
Les Bleus supporters are not behind the French skipper and if he fails to lead the French into the late stages of the tournament, the supporters will be calling for his head.
Key Players-
Thierry Henry
The 32 year old forward will be playing in his fourth World Cup and his experience should help the young French side. Henry has announced he will play in New York next season and South Africa will surely be his final World Cup.
Franck Ribery
After coming onto the world stage in 2006, Ribery has since had a successful career at Bayern Munich. Ribery will look to continue that success with the national team.
Hugo Lloris
The 23 year old goalie has been attracting interest from top English clubs such as Manchester United.
Nicolas Anelka
The lone forward in France's 4-2-3-1, Anelka would like nothing more then to win an English Premier League title, FA Cup, and World Cup all in one season.
2010 World Cup Schedule:
France vs. Uruguay, Cape Town, South Africa, June 11th
France vs. Mexico, Polokwane, South Africa, June 17th
France vs. South Africa, Bloemfontein, South Africa, June 22nd
Next Up:
Ghana
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