Sport: Soccer Country: France Category: Scores & Results

Ousmane Dembélé faces World Cup curse as reigning Ballon d'Or holder

Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Jul 4, 2026, 4:54 PM

Last updated Jul 4, 2026

Ousmane Dembélé faces World Cup curse as reigning Ballon d'Or holder

Summary

Ousmane Dembélé, the reigning Ballon d'Or holder, is set to lead France against Paraguay in the round of 16 of the World Cup on July 5, 2026. Historically, no Ballon d'Or winner has ever claimed the World Cup title since the award's inception in 1956. Despite the data suggesting a curse, Dembélé has the chance to change that narrative should France advance further in the tournament. The match is currently ongoing.

Source Links

Yahoo Sports

By the Numbers

•Dembélé's France faces Paraguay in the World Cup round of 16.
•No Ballon d'Or winner has ever won the World Cup.
•France looks to break a historical trend this summer.

Latest Updates

4:54 PMYahoo Sports — The strange Ballon d'Or curse at the World Cup 🤔

What they're saying

"
Don’t do this to us, Ousmane.What if being the reigning Ballon d’Or holder at the World Cup was a curse? It’s a stat Les Bleus could have done without.It’s simple: since 1956 and the creation ...
— Yahoo Sports

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