France will look to bounce back from the disappointment of losing the 2022 World Cup final to Argentina. Didier Deschamps' side host Côte d'Ivoire on Thursday, June 4 at Stade de la Beaujoire in Nantes, with kick-off scheduled for 3:10 p.m. ET.
The French side, fresh from friendly victories over Colombia and Brazil in March, boasts an impressive attacking roster featuring Ballon d'Or winner Ousmane Dembélé and Kylian Mbappé, who sits just one goal away from equalling Olivier Giroud's France record of 57 goals.
The matchup already has enough history; the job is to keep the reading list shorter than the tension.
Côte d'Ivoire, three-time Africa Cup of Nations winners, arrive unbeaten through their qualifying campaign. Les Éléphants impressed in recent friendlies with a 4-0 win over South Korea and a 1-0 victory against Scotland.
The two nations have met only three times previously—in 2005, 2016, and 2022—with France winning twice and the middle encounter ending in a draw.
For France, William Saliba is expected to miss out after aggravating a back issue during Arsenal's Champions League final defeat to PSG. Ibrahima Konaté looks set to replace him in defense.
Côte d'Ivoire face similar selection challenges, with regular center-backs Odilon Kossounou and Evan Ndicka both doubts. Ousmane Diomande is likely to start alongside Emmanuel Agbadou.
One intriguing subplot sees brothers Désiré Doué and Guéla Doué potentially facing each other—Désiré for France, Guéla for Côte d'Ivoire.
Predicted Lineups
France (4-2-3-1): Maignan; Koundé, Konaté, Upamecano, T. Hernandez; Kanté, Tchouaméni; Olise, Cherki, Mbappé; Thuram.
Côte d'Ivoire (4-3-3): Lafont; Doué, Agbadou, Diomande, Konan; Kessié, Sangaré, Fofana; Y. Diomande, Touré, Pépé.
Score Prediction: France 2–1 Côte d'Ivoire
While France possess superior attacking options, Côte d'Ivoire's defensive strength and counter-attacking threat should ensure this remains competitive throughout.
A record within reach
Mbappé needs one goal to match Giroud's all-time record for France. Given his recent form and the opportunity to write history in front of the home crowd at Nantes, he will be highly motivated to convert early.
The Score Still Has A Second Line
By the time the trophy comes out, the argument is usually over. The celebration just gives the season a louder way to say what the table already said.