The Blues are only thirteen days away from their first match of the 2026 World Cup. Before facing Senegal on June 16 (9 p.m.), Didier Deschamps’ men are still in France to play two preparation matches. The first is scheduled for this Thursday in Nantes against Ivory Coast (9:10 p.m.). The team composition is almost certain.
After today’s training day, there is little doubt about the choices of the French coach. In front of the cage, Mike Maignan. A four-man defense, with from right to left Jules Koundé, Ibrahima Konaté, Dayot Upamecano and Lucas Digne. Injured and having passed exams on Monday, William Saliba will logically be absent from the match sheet.
Aurélien Tchouaméni and Adrien Rabiot will take care of recovery in a 4-2-3-1 system. A step ahead of them, Michael Olise will occupy the right lane, Rayan Cherki will start in the center, supporting his leading striker and captain, Kylian Mbappé.
France-Côte d’Ivoire, penultimate test for the Blues
The only unknown remains the identity of the left attacking midfielder. For now, the choice has not yet been made between Marcus Thuram and Bradley Barcola. The current trend is rather in favor of the Inter Milan player. Arriving at Clairefontaine just after their victory with PSG in the Champions League final, Ousmane Dembélé and Désiré Doué will not start.
In front of the press this Wednesday, Didier Deschamps confirmed that he had his team in mind for Senegal. And he linked this to the two friendly matches that are coming up. ” Obviously. But you never know. There are two matches, things can happen. »
The probable line-up of the Blues against Ivory Coast
Maignan – Koundé, Konaté, Upamecano, Digne – Rabiot, Tchouaméni – Olise, Cherki, Thuram (or Barcola) – Mbappé
