With less than two weeks to go before the start of the 2026 World Cup, France have suffered a setback. Beaten 2-1 by Ivory Coast on Thursday night in Nantes, Les Bleus saw their nine-match unbeaten run come to an end.
First warning sign. France made a poor start to their World Cup preparations, losing 2-1 to Ivory Coast on Thursday night in Nantes. After opening the scoring through Rayan Cherki just before half-time, Les Bleus collapsed in the second half after goals from Guéla Doué and Amad Diallo.
France Must React Before the World Cup
Dominant for much of the match, Didier Deschamps’ side lacked efficiency and control after the many changes made at half-time. The defeat ends a nine-match unbeaten run for France, who will need to respond on Monday against Northern Ireland before the World Cup begins.
Aurélien Tchouaméni, however, was not too worried. The Real Madrid midfielder insisted it was only a warm-up match. “Of course the defeat is disappointing given the match. But we are in a preparation phase, we haven’t been together for long. (…) There are no conclusions to draw from this match,” he explained after the game.
Despite the defeat, Didier Deschamps found some positives, especially the partnership between Michael Olise and Rayan Cherki. The PSG players, rested after their second consecutive Champions League triumph, are also expected to play a major role in the coming fixtures. Les Bleus will have the chance to reassure themselves on Monday against Northern Ireland before flying to the United States with the aim of winning a third star.
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