France vs Ivory Coast Prediction: International Friendly Preview, Team News & Expected Lineups

International Friendly  -  France VS Ivory Coast
Match Time:05-06-2026 03:10 Friday (GMT+8)
Football Livescore | Match Prediction & Tips
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France and Ivory Coast meet in an international friendly at Stade de la Beaujoire as both nations continue their preparations for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. While France enter the tournament as one of the leading contenders for the title, Ivory Coast are aiming to build on their recent resurgence and test themselves against one of the strongest teams in world football.

Team Analysis:
France arrive in exceptional form and remain one of the most complete national teams in international football. Didier Deschamps's side have won eight of their last nine matches, scoring at least two goals in each of those games. With the 2026 World Cup set to be Deschamps's final tournament in charge, Les Bleus will be eager to maintain momentum after recent victories over Brazil and Colombia. France are also unbeaten in all three previous meetings with Ivory Coast.

Ivory Coast, meanwhile, have enjoyed a remarkable revival under coach Emerse Fae. The Elephants qualified comfortably for the World Cup, winning eight and drawing two of their ten qualifying matches while scoring 25 goals without conceding. Since their Africa Cup of Nations quarter-final exit, Ivory Coast have recorded consecutive friendly victories over South Korea and Scotland, highlighting the progress made by a squad packed with attacking talent.

Player Situation:
France could be without key defender William Saliba, who remains a major doubt after aggravating a back injury during Arsenal's Champions League final. Several PSG players, including Ousmane Dembélé and Désiré Doué, may also be rested. However, France still possess enormous attacking quality through Kylian Mbappé, who is just one goal away from equalling the national team's all-time scoring record, while Michael Olise and Marcus Thuram are expected to feature prominently.

Ivory Coast have been forced into one defensive change with Clément Akpa ruled out through injury. The visitors will rely on experienced leaders such as Franck Kessié and Ibrahim Sangaré, while attacking threats including Nicolas Pépé, Simon Adingra and rising star Yan Diomande provide plenty of firepower going forward.

Result Prediction:
Ivory Coast possess enough attacking quality to trouble France and should provide a much sterner test than many recent friendly opponents. However, France's squad depth, home advantage and outstanding recent form make them clear favorites. Even if Deschamps rotates several key players, Les Bleus should have enough quality to secure another victory before heading to the World Cup.

Prediction: France 3-1 Ivory Coast