The French national team take on Ivory Coast tonight in Nantes as part of their World Cup preparations. Here’s what Didier Deschamps and Émerse Faé are likely to field for this match.
Final warm-up matches for Les Bleus before their big departure for the United States. Didier Deschamps’ men will host Côte d’Ivoire in Nantes tonight (9.10pm), followed by Northern Ireland in Lille on Monday. In all likelihood, the France manager is expected to rotate his squad for this fixture, and none of his Champions League finalists are expected to start.
Unsurprisingly, Mike Maignan will be in goal for Les Bleus. Jules Koundé will start on the right-back position, whilst Dayot Upamecano and Ibrahima Konaté will form the central defensive partnership. Regular starter William Saliba will be rested. On the left, Théo Hernandez could win Didier Deschamps’ favour for this match, although Lucas Digne also has a case to make.
An unprecedented attacking quartet
The France manager is expected to field a Rabiot-Tchouameni partnership in midfield, alongside an unprecedented attacking quartet up front. Kylian Mbappé is expected to start as the number 9, with Michael Olise in support. Marcus Thuram is expected to occupy the left flank, whilst Rayan Cherki is likely to be on the right, though presumably in an inside forward role. Didier Deschamps wishes to rotate his squad, and it is not out of the question that he might make around 10 changes during .
On the other side, Émerse Faé also has a World Cup to prepare for, and the Ivorian manager plans to field his strongest line-up. Yahia Fofana will be in goal, protected by a defence comprising Guela Doué, Kossounou, Ousmane Diomandé and Konan. The prodigy Christ Inao Oulaï is expected to partner Ibrahim Sangaré and Franck Kessié, whilst Elye Wahi will lead the line. Amad Diallo, on the right, and Yan Diomandé, on the left, will be tasked with supplying the former Nice player.
Algeria: Luca Zidane’s emphatic response
Last night, Algeria beat the Netherlands 1–0 in a friendly. Les Fennecs were helped by an excellent Luca Zidane, who dispelled any doubts that might have existed about him.
More than just a match. Last night, Luca Zidane (28) was eagerly awaited. This doesn’t really change his routine, as Zizou’s son is always closely scrutinised wherever he goes. But on Wednesday, many were waiting to find out more about his state of health. At the end of April, the Granada goalkeeper suffered a jaw injury (double fracture and chin injury, ed.) during the 4-2 defeat to Almería. The former Real Madrid player had left the pitch and everyone was very concerned about him, both at his club and in the national team. After undergoing surgery, the Marseille-born player had given some rather reassuring updates.
“The operation went very well; it was more of a scare than anything serious, and I’ll be back on the pitch very soon. Thank you for your messages of support,” he wrote on Instagram. Although his manager at Granada had hoped to see him back before the end of the season, that wasn’t to be. However, we did get to see him back in action with Algeria. The goalkeeper was selected for the national team for the 2026 World Cup. A choice that left some perplexed, as the footballer hadn’t played since 26 April. There was also no guarantee regarding his health and fitness. Not to mention that he has to play wearing a mask, which isn’t ideal, particularly for his vision. This is even more so for a goalkeeper who has to make physical contact.
Luca Zidane was under the spotlight
To make matters worse, the fact that Vladimir Petkovic selected 27 players, including four goalkeepers, raised questions. In addition to Zidane, he called up Oussama Benbot (USM Alger), Melvin Mastil (Stade Nyonnais) and Abdelatif Ramdane (MC Alger). Some believe the manager needed reassurance regarding Luca Zidane’s condition before deciding whether or not to take him to the World Cup. Last night, he got his answer. Starting in the friendly against the Netherlands, the player born in 1998 put in a flawless performance. Solid on his line, he did not hesitate to come off his line and get stuck in. He made a string of saves and prevented his team from conceding numerous goals. The Algerian press has been completely reassured about him.
Compétition described him as having been “particularly inspired” and noted that he “distinguished himself on several occasions, notably against Gakpo and Reijnders, having already been saved by his post from a Malen attempt early in the match.” DZ Foot was also impressed and awarded him a 9 for his overall performance. “We had serious concerns about him playing with a protective helmet. He ultimately put in an extraordinary performance with no fewer than six saves. Very reassuring on his line, he also helped out a great deal with the ball at his feet despite a few slightly misplaced clearances.” After the match, Petkovic also praised his player, who had put in a fine performance.
He put everyone’s minds at ease
“I’m happy for Zidane, who has shown that his injury is behind him,” said the Algerian manager. On the other side, Virgil van Dijk didn’t name the goalkeeper, but it was clear that Zidane had caused problems for the Oranjes, who failed to be clinical in front of goal. Luca Zidane frustrated them. After the match, the goalkeeper analysed his performance. “I’m back on the pitch and I’m fine. I’m very happy. (…) It’s really the team’s performance that deserves the credit. I think we played a very good match against a very good team. We knew they’d give us a hard time, but we waited for our moment to hurt them. We won today (yesterday), so we’re really happy. It’s good for our confidence and for what lies ahead.”
Next up is the World Cup, with the first match on 17 June against Argentina. “For a footballer, playing in a World Cup is the greatest thing there is. Being able to represent my country, with my family behind me and the whole Algerian people, it’s a real source of pride to be able to play in this World Cup,” admitted the Fennec. Before stepping away, he reiterated that he is ready and has recovered from his injury. “I feel fine. I’m feeling better and better and I’m preparing for this important tournament. The whole team is preparing.” Vladimir Petkovic and Algeria can rest assured. Luca Zidane is on the mend and intends to help his country during the World Cup.
