Pre-World Cup 2026 friendlies: France-Northern Ireland, likely lineups

Final preparations for Didier Deschamps’ France: the vice-world champions Bleus will face Northern Ireland in Lille on Monday evening at 9:15 p.m. before heading to North America for the 2026 World Cup. The Gallets, among the leading favorites for the rainbow tournament, are looking for confidence after their surprising defeat against Ivory Coast in their last friendly match. Northern Ireland, eliminated in March in the playoffs at the hands of Italy, will field a young lineup and then start again in September for the Nations League.

France should be lined up with a 4-3-3 with the trident Olise-Mbappe-Thuram, while the PSG stars should again all start from the bench. Quality midfield with Tchouameni, Akliouche, Cherki, the full-backs will be Kounde and Lucas Hernandez.

Reid leads the Northern Irish attack, on the three-quarter will play Donley and Price. McDonnell and Charles are the two midfielders in front of the defense, consisting of McConville, Hume, Brown.

France-Northern Ireland, the probable lineups
FRANCE (4-3-3): Maignan; Kounde, Upamecano, Konate, L. Hernandez; Tchouameni, Akliouche, Cherki; Olise, Mbappe, Thuram. All: Deschamps.
NORTHERN IRELAND (3-4-2-1): P. Charles; McConville, Hume, Brown; Smyth, McDonnell, S.Charles, Devenny; Donley, Price; Reid. All: O’Neill.

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