The French swordsmen were out as soon as they entered the Olympic Games, in the quarterfinals, by Japan (45-44).
The French team, big favorite for the title, had been crowned at each edition since 2004, the team event not being on the program in London in 2012.
The French men's épée team, Olympic champion at Rio-2016, was eliminated 45 to 44 in the quarter-finals of the Olympic tournament by Japan on Friday in Chiba.
Loudly encouraged by a large Japanese delegation at Makuhari Messe Hall, the Japanese Masaru Yamada, Koki Kano and Satory Uyama, who had earlier dismissed the Americans 45 to 39, bravely believed in their chances until the end, managing to equalize every time the Habs took the advantage.
Second disappointment for Borel
Before the last duel, the French were still leading 38-36 but Yannick Borel suffered a fatal 9-6.
Borel, favorite for individual gold, was eliminated from the start on Sunday.
"We are going to get back to work with a lot of humility," Borel explained, obviously thinking of the Paris-2024 Olympics meeting, adding that he was taking "his share of responsibility" in this defeat.
The Tricolores will now have to play a classification match, against Switzerland, scheduled for 12:45 local (5:45 French).
The men's epee, the traditionally strong weapon of French fencing, was crowned by teams at each edition since 2004 (the team event was not on the program in London in 2012).