Pre-World Cup 2026 friendlies: France-Côte D'Ivoire, likely lineups

Thursday night at 9:10 p.m. the Beaujoire Stadium in Nantes is preparing to host the first friendly match in preparation for the 2026 World Cup of Didier Deschamps’ France, opposing the Ivory Coast led by Emerse Faé. For the Bleus, these will be the last matches under the current coach, who will leave the bench after the World Cup, with a solid group led by Mbappé, Kanté and Rabiot in the hunt for a third consecutive World Cup final. Facing them will be the Elephants, celebrating their return to the final stage of a World Cup after a 12-year absence; the African national team, orphaned of Haller in attack and clinging to Kessié’s leadership, seeks redemption and certainty after the disappointing and premature elimination in the last African Cup of Nations at the hands of Egypt.

Deschamps chooses a very offensive team. Protecting Maignan, the defensive line will consist of Koundé and Digne on the side lanes, with the solid Upamecano-Saliba pair in the center. In midfield, Tchouaméni will act alongside the experienced Rabiot. While in the three-quarter, Olise and the talented Cherki will act together with Kylian Mbappé behind Dembélé, deployed as an advanced reference.

Fae responds with a more closed and compact team. Fofana will defend the posts, protected in the center by Kossounou and Roma’s N’Dicka, with Guéla Doué and Konan as full-backs. In the box will be former Milan player Kessié, the team’s leader, supported by the dynamism of Sangaré and Oulai in the middle of the field. The offensive trident, lacking the injured Haller, will be led by Bonny in the center, assisted on the flanks by the quickness of Diallo and Diomandé.

Probable formations

France (4-2-3-1): Maignan; Koundé, Upamecano, Saliba, Digne; Tchouaméni, Rabiot; Olise, Cherki, Mbappé; Dembélé. All. Deschamps.

Côte d’Ivoire (4-3-3): Fofana; Doué, Kossounou, N’Dicka, Konan; Kessié, Sangaré, Oulai; Diallo, Bonny, Diomandé. All. Faé.