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2mo ago

France Lose 2-1 to Côte d'Ivoire in Nantes Friendly

Heavy rotation exposed cohesion and defensive gaps that Deschamps said must be fixed ahead of the team’s final friendly before departure to the United States.

[FRANCK FIFE / AFP]
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Overview

  • France were beaten 2-1 by Côte d'Ivoire in Nantes on Thursday, with Rayan Cherki giving the hosts the lead before Guéla Doué equalised (53') and Amad Diallo scored the winner (84').
  • Didier Deschamps used the match as an extended squad review and made numerous changes during the game, describing the result as a "piqûre de rappel" and stressing the need to correct weaknesses before the World Cup.
  • Arsenal centre‑back William Saliba did not play while being managed for a back problem, and several players who finished the club season late were given limited minutes to avoid risk.
  • The team dominated the first half but lost rhythm after a wave of second‑half substitutions, which reporters and coaches blamed for defensive disorganisation that allowed two late Ivory Coast goals.
  • France have one final warm‑up in Lille on June 8 before flying to their Boston base for the World Cup, and the loss—against the 2024 AFCON winners—serves as a credible warning ahead of their June 16 opener.