The defeat conceded against Ivory Coast had initial consequences for the French team. Beyond the doubts a few days before the start of the 2026 World Cup, this setback also cost the Blues their number one place in the FIFA rankings. Didier Deschamps’ men were thus overtaken by the Argentina football team, while the Spain team also passed them despite an equally worrying draw against Iraq (1-1).
Now third, France is still ahead of England, Portugal, Brazil and Morocco. Before entering the World Cup against Senegal on June 16, the French selection will play a final friendly match against Northern Ireland. A victory could allow the Blues to recover points, but as a reminder, a nation ranked first before the 2026 World Cup has never subsequently won it.
