France suffer World Cup warm-up defeat to Ivory Coast

France began their preparations for the 2026 World Cup with a setback, suffering a 2-1 defeat against Ivory Coast in their first warm-up fixture. The result, confirmed on 5 June 2026, marks a challenging start to the national team’s campaign as they look to build momentum for the upcoming international tournament.

While France controlled the early stages of the match, with Rayan Cherki delivering a standout individual performance, the team struggled to maintain their intensity as the game progressed. The French side lost control of the match in the second half, allowing the Ivorian side to seize the initiative and turn the tide of the contest.

Ivory Coast, widely known as the Elephants, capitalised on the shift in momentum to stage a comeback. The victory was driven by a notable performance from Guéla Doué, whose contributions were instrumental in securing the lead for the African nation. The result highlights the competitive nature of the warm-up schedule and the tactical adjustments required ahead of the main event.

The match serves as a critical preparatory step for France, offering a chance to assess squad depth and tactical cohesion against a resilient opponent. However, the inability to hold onto their advantage in the latter stages of the game will require attention from the coaching staff as they refine their approach for the World Cup.

Ivory Coast’s ability to overturn the deficit underscores the quality of their squad and their capacity to perform under pressure. The win provides a confidence boost for the Elephants as they continue their own preparations, while France must now regroup and address the defensive vulnerabilities exposed during the second half.