Nantes – 04.06.2026: The French national football team played its first warm-up match for the 2026 World Cup in the USA against Ivory Coast on Thursday in Nantes. At the Stade de la Beaujoire, there were some surprises in the starting lineup, with Marcus Thuram from Borussia Mönchengladbach and Rayan Cherki from Olympique Lyon starting, while the Parisian stars initially took seats on the bench. The French team showed commitment and put the Ivorians under pressure early on. The match was used by coach Didier Deschamps to test various players and tactics ahead of the upcoming World Cup.
The game was characterized by a high tempo and technical finesse. Thuram, known for his physical robustness combined with technical play, sought to finish early and made important offensive contributions. Cherki, viewed as a promising talent, displayed creativity and dribbled dangerously into the Ivory Coast penalty area several times. Despite the young players, the team remained defensively stable and tried to maintain midfield control.
Players from Paris Saint-Germain such as Kylian Mbappé and other prominent names were initially rested or came on during the second half to bring fresh energy. This handling of the stars underlines Deschamps’ strategic approach to broadening the squad and avoiding exhaustion before the World Cup. Ivory Coast proved to be a very compact opponent with quick counterattacks that challenged France at times.
The French team also used the match to practice new tactical variations, including flexibility within the 4-3-3 system, which can be adjusted for more offense or stability depending on the game situation. Deschamps responded with substitutions and adjustments to define clear roles for individual players. The fans in Nantes created a lively atmosphere with strong support, fueling the French team’s World Cup drive even further.
The result ultimately remained secondary; what mattered most was the insight into how the team plays together and how much quality is available on the bench. According to expert opinions, the combination of experienced players and young talents could make the French national team very competitive at the 2026 World Cup. The next match against Ivory Coast will follow soon to gather further insights for the tournament.
The preparation of Les Bleus for the World Cup is therefore in full progress, and with players like Thuram and Cherki in the starting lineup, France emphasizes its ambition to showcase both squad depth and individual class. Expectations are high, but the team has already shown promising signs ahead of the major tournament kickoff in the USA.
Sources
- franceinfo