France v Côte d’Ivoire: Thuram and Cherki to start in first warm-up match for the 2026 World Cup

Nantes – June 4, 2026: The French national team played its first warm-up match for the 2026 World Cup in the United States against Côte d’Ivoire in Nantes on Thursday. There were several surprises in the starting lineup at Stade de la Beaujoire, with Borussia Mönchengladbach’s Marcus Thuram and Olympique Lyon’s Rayan Cherki starting, while the Paris superstars initially began on the bench. The French national team showed an aggressive approach and put Côte d’Ivoire under pressure early on. For coach Didier Deschamps, the match served as an opportunity to test various players and tactics ahead of the World Cup.

The match was characterized by a fast pace and technical sophistication. Thuram, who combines physical strength and technique, looked for shots early on and added important attacking impetus. Cherki, considered a highly promising talent, showed creativity and repeatedly made dangerous dribbles into the Côte d’Ivoire penalty area. Despite the many young players involved, the team remained defensively stable and sought to control the midfield.

Paris Saint-Germain players, such as Kylian Mbappé and other well-known players, were initially rested and brought on in the second half to provide fresh energy. The use of these star players demonstrates Deschamps’ strategic approach, aimed at ensuring squad depth and avoiding accumulated fatigue before the World Cup. Côte d’Ivoire was a very compact team and, with quick counterattacks, occasionally created difficult situations for France.

The French national team also tested new tactical variations in this match. Taking advantage of the flexibility of the 4-3-3 system, it adapted to formations emphasizing either attack or stability depending on the match situation. Deschamps responded to the course of the match with substitutions and tactical adjustments, giving individual players clear roles. The fans in Nantes created a lively atmosphere with enthusiastic support, further boosting the French national team’s drive toward the World Cup.

The final result was secondary; the focus was on assessing the team’s cohesion and the quality of the substitutes. According to experts, the combination of experienced players and young talents could significantly increase France’s competitiveness in 2026. Another match against Côte d’Ivoire is scheduled soon and will provide further insights for tournament preparation.

The Blues’ preparations for the World Cup are progressing smoothly, and with players such as Thuram and Cherki named in the starting lineup, France’s depth and individual quality stand out. Expectations are rising, but the team is already showing promising signs ahead of the start of the major tournament in the United States.