France’s national football team is set to play a friendly match against Ivory Coast, with coach Didier Deschamps opting for a lineup that does not include any Paris Saint-Germain players. The match will take place in Nantes at 21:10 local time, marking the start of France’s preparations for the upcoming World Cup.
As reported by L’Équipe, Deschamps has decided to field Marcus Thuram and Rayan Cherki from the beginning, while Kylian Mbappé and Michael Olise will also feature prominently in the attacking lineup. Notably, following PSG’s recent Champions League victory against Arsenal, Deschamps has chosen to place all PSG players, including Dembélé, Doué, Barcola, Zaïre-Emery, and Lucas Hernandez, on the bench.
France’s Starting XI for the Friendly
The French team will likely adopt a 4-2-3-1 formation for this friendly match. In defense, Theo Hernandez and Jules Koundé are set to take up the wing-back positions, while Dayot Upamecano will partner with Ibrahima Konaté, who replaces William Saliba, who has not been called up. The midfield will feature Aurélien Tchouaméni and Adrien Rabiot, with Mike Maignan guarding the goal.
The full lineup for France includes Maignan in goal; a defensive line of Koundé, Upamecano, Konaté, and T. Hernandez; a midfield duo of Tchouaméni and Rabiot; and an attacking trio of Cherki, Olise, and Thuram, supporting captain Mbappé up front.
Ivory Coast’s Formation and Key Players
In contrast, Ivory Coast will likely employ a 4-3-3 formation, showcasing a forward line consisting of Yan Diomandé, Simon Adingra, and Elye Wahi. Guéla Doué will start on the right flank for the Ivorians while his brother Désiré remains on the French bench. Franck Kessié will lead the midfield alongside Seko Fofana and will be crucial for the Ivorian side.
The expected lineup for Ivory Coast includes Ya. Fofana in goal; a back four of G. Doué, Agbadou, Singo, and Konan; a midfield trio of Adingra, S. Fofana, and Kessié; and a front three of O. Diakité and Wahi.
Implications for Upcoming Tournaments
This friendly serves as an essential test for the French team as they gear up for the World Cup scheduled from June 11 to July 19. The absence of PSG players starting is notable, especially after their Champions League triumph, which adds an interesting dynamic to the team selections. Deschamps’s tactical decisions will be scrutinized as they could influence the team’s morale and performance heading into the tournament.
The friendly match not only allows players to showcase their skills but also helps the coaching staff assess the team’s depth and readiness. With several key players left on the bench, it will be vital for the squad to work cohesively and build chemistry as they prepare for a series of competitive matches ahead.
