Deschamps Sets France Vs Ivory Coast Lineup for June 4
France vs Ivory Coast lands at the Stade de la Beaujoire in Nantes on June 4, 2026 at 3:10 PM, with Didier Deschamps set to use the friendly as one last test before the World Cup in North America. France arrive with four wins in their last five matches, while Ivory Coast bring a recent 1-0 win over Scotland into the matchup.
Deschamps Leans On Mbappe
Rayan Cherki is set to feature for France, and Kylian Mbappe leads the attack alongside Marcus Thuram. Mike Maignan is projected in goal, with Ibrahima Konate, Jules Kounde, Dayot Upamecano, and Lucas Digne forming the back four.
Aurelien Tchouameni and N'Golo Kante are projected in midfield with Cherki and Michael Olise, giving France a settled look before the tournament build-up tightens. That shape comes with one clear absence: William Saliba is out through injury, and his back problem has reportedly worsened enough that surgery may be needed after the World Cup.
Ivory Coast Bring No Absences
Ivory Coast have no reported injuries or suspensions, and Emerse Fae can start from a full group. Yahia Fofana is projected in goal, with Ghislain Konan, Ousmane Diomande, Evan N'Dicka, and Guela Doue in front of him.
Seko Fofana, Franck Kessie, and Ibrahim Sangare are set in midfield, while Elye Wahi, Yan Diomande, and Nicolas Pepe lead the attack. The group arrives after a 1-0 win over Scotland and a 4-0 friendly win over South Korea, giving Fae a straightforward selection call while France work around Saliba’s absence.
Nantes Test Before North America
France’s recent run also includes a 3-1 win over Colombia, a 2-1 victory over Brazil, and World Cup qualifying wins by 3-1 over Azerbaijan and 4-0 over Ukraine. Those results give Deschamps a strong base, but this friendly is still the final live check before the World Cup schedule begins in North America.
For supporters in the United States, the match is available to watch live across several platforms. For both teams, the more immediate takeaway is the lineup: France are expected to show their strongest available XI, while Ivory Coast arrive with a full squad and a recent pair of wins behind them.
