This children’s article, France win the 2026 Six Nations Championship, has been written for native English speakers and learners of English as a second or foreign language. It can help children practise reading and comprehension, learn useful vocabulary, and follow one of the biggest rugby tournaments in the world. Written by Mark Pulley, a teacher and writer who creates fun and informative news articles for English learners.
What is the Six Nations?
The Six Nations Championship is one of the most famous rugby union tournaments in the world. Six countries from the Northern Hemisphere take part every year: France, England, Ireland, Scotland, Wales, and Italy.
The competition has a very long history. It began more than 140 years ago and remains one of the oldest international sports tournaments.
Teams play matches over several weeks, earning points for wins and tries. The team with the most points at the end become the champions.
A tense race for the title
The final day of the competition is often called Super Saturday because all the last matches are played on the same day. In 2026, three teams still had a chance to win the championship before the final games began.
France, Ireland and Scotland all hoped to lift the trophy. The results of several matches would decide the champion.
Scotland’s hopes ended when they lost 43–21 to Ireland. Whereas Wales finally had something to celebrate after beating Italy 31–17, their first win in the tournament since 2023.
France vs England: a thrilling final match
The final game of the championship took place at the Stade de France in Paris. England could not win the tournament, but they still pushed the French team all the way in a dramatic match.
The game was full of action and excitement, with a total of 13 tries scored by the two teams.
In the final moments, France kicked a penalty to win the match 48–46. The narrow victory meant France kept the championship trophy for the second year in a row.
Back-to-back champions
Winning the Six Nations again was a big achievement for the French team. Defending champions often face extra pressure because every other team has extra determination to beat them.
France showed strong attacking rugby throughout the tournament and held their nerve in the final game. Fans across the country celebrated as their team lifted the famous trophy once again.
Article vocabulary list
- Championship: A competition to decide the best team or player.
- Tournament: A series of matches played to find a winner.
- Title: Another word for a championship victory.
- Penalty: In rugby, it’s a kick at goal given after a rule is broken.
- Defend: To keep a title by winning it again.
- Try: A way of scoring points in rugby by touching the ball down over the line.
- Narrow victory: A win by a very small margin.
Comprehension questions
Just click the plus (+) to see the answer
1. How many teams play in the Six Nations Championship?
a) Four
b) Six
c) Eight
Answer: b) Six
2. What is the final day of the tournament often called?
a) Rugby Sunday
b) Super Saturday
c) Grand Finale
Answer: b) Super Saturday
3. Which team did France play in the final match of the tournament?
a) Ireland
b) Scotland
c) England
Answer: c) England
4. Which team defeated Scotland in the final round of matches?
a) Italy
b) Wales
c) Ireland
Answer: c) Ireland
5. How many years in a row has France now won the championship?
a) One
b) Two
c) Three
Answer: b) Two
Mark is a writer and EFL teacher from England with eight years’ experience. He’s passionate about travel, sport (especially football), animals, nature, and history, and enjoys helping children explore the world through language and learning.
