France defeated 2-1 by Ivory Coast in World Cup warm‑up

In a pre‑World Cup friendly, France lost 2‑1 to Ivory Coast. Rayan Cherki scored the opening goal for the hosts before half‑time, but the visitors equalised through Guéla Doué and secured the winner with Amad Diallo in the 84th minute. After the match, Cherki said France will go to the tournament “to smash everybody”. Coach Didier Deschamps called the defeat a “warning” but cautioned against over‑reacting, describing it as a step in preparation.

France’s next scheduled friendly is against Northern Ireland on 8 June before its World Cup debut versus Senegal on 16 June in the United States. In related pre‑tournament action, Spain were held to a 1‑1 draw by Iraq, with Ferran Torres scoring for Spain and Merchas Doski equalising for Iraq.

The results have sparked discussion about the form of the French side, which entered the tournament as a favorite, while Spain, the reigning European champions, also face scrutiny ahead of their first World Cup match on 15 June.