France: Deschamps chasing one final triumph

France head into the World Cup as the highest-ranked nation in global football and one of the standout contenders for the title, backed by an exceptionally deep and talented squad. With Didier Deschamps set to leave after the tournament, this campaign carries extra significance — potentially marking the final chapter of an era that brought World Cup glory in 2018 and a runners-up finish after the unforgettable 2022 final against Argentina.

Les Bleus made light work of qualification, progressing through their group unbeaten with five wins from six matches ahead of Ukraine, Iceland, and Azerbaijan. Their recent form has been equally impressive: France have won eight of their last nine games over the past year, scoring at least two goals in every victory. March friendlies against Brazil (2-1) and Colombia (3-1) once again showed the team’s ability to maintain intensity regardless of the occasion.

Ivory Coast: back on the global stage with confidence

Ivory Coast return to the World Cup after missing the previous two editions, arriving with momentum and belief. Their qualifying campaign was exceptional, producing eight wins and two draws in ten matches, while scoring 25 goals and remarkably conceding none — a clear sign of both attacking ambition and defensive discipline.

Under Emerse Faé, the Elephants have developed into a more organized and fearless side. His tenure has delivered 21 wins in 31 matches, highlighting both tactical progress and the squad’s growing maturity. After suffering a narrow 2-3 defeat to Egypt in the Africa Cup of Nations quarterfinals, Ivory Coast responded strongly with convincing victories over South Korea (4-0) and Scotland (1-0), proving they travel to France with genuine confidence rather than simply making up the numbers.

Match facts & head-to-head

France have won eight of their last nine matches, scoring at least twice in every game

Ivory Coast netted 25 goals and conceded none during World Cup qualification

France remain unbeaten in three previous meetings with Ivory Coast, including a dramatic 2-1 victory in March 2022 thanks to Aurélien Tchouaméni’s late winner

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