Promoting French expertise in sport Over the last decade, France has developed a genuine sports diplomacy that is now seen as a foreign policy tool in its own right. Economic attractiveness Sports diplomacy Published on : March 17th 2026 Updated on : March 19th 2026 Dans cette rubrique Priorities and action The Ministry in action Action for peace and respect for human rights Promoting a sovereign Europe Promoting French businesses and France’s attractiveness Ensuring the presence of French culture Contributing to sustainable, balanced globalization Major issues France's 2026 G7 Presidency France’s diplomatic action in Ukraine French humanitarian action in the Palestinian Territories It is structured around three main components: 1/ Organizing major international sporting events. Holding the Olympic and Paralympic Games, the Rugby World Cup, the French Open (Roland Garros) and the Tour de France bicycle race in France helps to enhance the country’s international outreach. 2/ Making sport central to our bilateral partnerships by strengthening the role of sport as a tool of cooperation and rapprochement with our foreign partners. 3/ Using sport as a tool of influence and attractiveness. Beyond the performance of French athletes, sport is an exceptional showcase for national innovation and expertise in many areas, including the economic, social and environmental sectors. What is sports diplomacy? Sports diplomacy involves using sport not only as a central tool in French cooperation with partner countries, but also as a tool of national... Paris 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games From 26 July to 11 August 2024, for the first time in a century, France is hosting the summer Olympic Games, followed by the Paralympic Games from 28... Rugby World Cup France 2023: a major, exemplary sporting event This year, France is hosting the rugby union World Cup for the second time, having previously staged the event in 2007. The tournament will run from 8...