France against Ivory Coast: Thuram and Cherki starters in the first World Cup preparation

Nantes – 06/04/2026: The French national football team played its first preparation match for the 2026 World Cup in the USA on Thursday in Nantes against Ivory Coast. 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 the game, while the Paris stars initially stayed on the bench. The French team showed determination by putting the Ivorians immediately under pressure. The match served coach Didier Deschamps to test several players and tactics ahead of the upcoming World Cup.

The game was characterized by a high pace and technical finesse. Thuram, known for his physical strength combined with technical qualities, immediately sought to finish and gave important signals offensively. Cherki, regarded as a promising talent, showed creativity and dribbled dangerously several times in Ivory Coast’s penalty area. Despite the young age of some protagonists, the team remained solid in defense trying to maintain control in midfield.

The players of the Paris Saint-Germain such as Kylian Mbappé and other prominent names were initially spared or came on only in the second half to provide fresh energy. This approach with the stars underlines Deschamps’ strategy to broaden the squad and prevent exhaustion before the World Cup. Ivory Coast proved to be a very compact opponent with fast counterattacks that at times put France in difficulty.

The French national team also used the match to try new tactical variations, including flexibility in the 4-3-3 system which is adapted according to the situation with more offensive thrust or more stability. Deschamps responded with substitutions and adjustments defining clear roles for the individual players. The fans in Nantes created a lively atmosphere with strong support, further fueling the motivation of the Bleus ahead of the World Cup.

The final result was secondary; what mattered most was understanding how the team collaborated and the quality available on the bench. The combination of experienced players and young talents could, according to experts, make the French national team very competitive at the 2026 World Cup. A second match against Ivory Coast will follow shortly to gather further information ahead of the tournament.

The Bleus’ preparation for the World Cup is therefore in full swing, and with players like Thuram and Cherki in the starting lineup, France demonstrates its ambitions to show both depth and individual quality in the squad. Expectations are high, but the team has already given promising initial signs before the start of the big tournament in the USA.