France loses 2-1 to Ivory Coast in historic friendly defeat

On Saturday at the Stade de France, the French national football team were beaten 2‑1 by Ivory Coast in a friendly match. It marked the first loss to the West African side since the French team was founded in 1904. Ivory Coast scored in the 24th and 65th minutes, with France equalising before half‑time.

Coach Didier Deschamps said there is no panic but warned the squad about the need for focus, citing injuries to key players and the upcoming World Cup preparations. He acknowledged the extensive rotations made during the game, which disrupted the team's rhythm, and said the match will be used as a learning point ahead of June fixtures against Senegal and other opponents.