France national team beaten 2-1 by Ivory Coast in pre‑World Cup friendly

On 4 June 2026 at the Beaujoire stadium in Nantes, France lost 2‑1 to Ivory Coast in a preparation match for the 2026 World Cup. The French side dominated the first half but a series of ten substitutions in the second half disrupted the rhythm, allowing Guéla Doué to equalise and Amad Diallo to score the winner for the Elephants.

Coach Didier Deschamps said the numerous changes had an impact and that the line‑up would not be final for the upcoming Group A match against Senegal on 16 June. He stressed the importance of testing players and warned that African teams are highly motivated against France. The defeat marks the first loss for France against Ivory Coast and the first pre‑tournament loss in Deschamps' tenure.

France will seek to regroup ahead of their next friendly against Northern Ireland in Lille before the World Cup opener.