France suffers 1-2 friendly defeat to Ivory Coast ahead of 2026 World Cup

On June 4, 2026 in Nantes, the France national football team lost 1‑2 to Ivory Coast in a pre‑World Cup friendly. France took the lead through Rayan Cherki before Guela Doué and Amad Diallo turned the match around in the second half. Coach Didier Deschamps described the result as a "reminder shot", noted there were no excuses, and highlighted the extensive squad rotation – ten changes, five at halftime – aimed at involving all players.

Deschamps and senior players looked toward the next preparatory match against Senegal in New York on June 16, emphasising the need to stay focused. Midfielder Aurélien Tchouaméni said the squad will be ready, while defender Lucas Hernandez called the loss preferable to a later setback. Commentators noted the defeat raised concerns given past preparation losses in 2002 and 2010, but also pointed to upcoming fixtures in the United States where France had recently beaten Brazil and Colombia.