This Thursday, June 4, Les Bleus won their first warm-up match against Côte d'Ivoire (1-0) at the Stade de la Beaujoire in Nantes. A reassuring success twelve days before the kick-off of the 2026 World Cup, which will be held in the United States, Canada and Mexico from June 11 to July 19.

A successful first test before the big departure

Against the Ivorian Elephants, the French team showed encouraging signs. The 1-0 victory, even if hard-fought, allows Didier Deschamps to approach the second warm-up match against Northern Ireland (June 8 in Nantes) with greater peace of mind. The squad will then fly to Boston on June 9, where they will set up camp for the entire group stage.

This preparation period is short — twelve days in total — but Deschamps is used to these tight deadlines. The coach, who is aiming for a third world title after the historic victory in 1998 and a tragically lost final on penalties in 2022, is focusing on group cohesion and physical freshness rather than piling up tactical sessions.

Group I: an accessible path to the round of 16

France has been drawn in Group I for the group stage, alongside Senegal, Norway and Iraq. An overall favorable draw for a team ranked number 1 in the world by FIFA, even if Senegal — two-time winner of the Africa Cup of Nations in 2021 and 2023 — represents a serious opponent.

• June 16 — France vs Senegal in New York (MetLife Stadium, 3 p.m. local time)
• June 22 — France vs Iraq in Philadelphia (Lincoln Financial Field, 5 p.m. local time)
• June 26 — Norway vs France in Boston (Gillette Stadium, 3 p.m. local time)

The stated objective is to secure qualification for the round of 16 in the first two matches, so they can enter the knockout stage with a rested and confident team.

The 26-player squad: Deschamps' choices

Announced live on TF1 on May 14, the list of 26 Bleus for the 2026 World Cup confirms a solid backbone. Naturally, Kylian Mbappé, Ousmane Dembélé and Marcus Thuram feature in attack, with a midfield structured around Aurélien Tchouaméni and Adrien Rabiot.

In defense, William Saliba has established himself as one of the best center-backs in the world, partnered with Ibrahima Konaté and the two Hernandez brothers — Lucas and Théo — on the flanks. Jules Koundé and Dayot Upamecano complete a defensive unit of the very highest level.

The French contingent comes from six different leagues, reflecting the international spread of France's talent:

• 8 players from Ligue 1 (French league)
• 7 players from the Premier League (England)
• 4 players from Serie A (Italy)
• 3 players from La Liga (Spain)
• 2 players from the Bundesliga (Germany)
• 2 players from the Turkish Süper Lig and the Saudi Pro League

Mbappé, time for global consecration

Captain of Les Bleus and the top scorer in the history of the French national team, Kylian Mbappé approaches this 2026 World Cup as the dream opportunity to claim the title still missing from his record. After the disappointment of the 2022 final lost on penalties to Argentina — despite an exceptional hat-trick from him — the Bondy native is more determined than ever to finish the job.

Since joining Real Madrid, Mbappé has reached a new level of footballing maturity. At 27, he now combines his speed and attacking talent with game intelligence and leadership that make him a true team captain. The conditions seem right for him to produce his best World Cup.

Boston: the ideal rear base for Les Bleus

Les Bleus will settle in Boston for the entire duration of their American stay. The Babson College campus, located about thirty minutes from downtown, will serve as their training camp. A strategic choice: Boston is home to a large French and French-speaking community, the sports facilities are of a very high standard, and the proximity of Gillette Stadium — where the match against Norway will be played — avoids long trips in the middle of the group stage.

This familiar setting, far from the bustle of major American cities, should allow the players to maintain an optimal preparation rhythm throughout the tournament.

Why France is favorite for the title

On paper, the French team has one of the most balanced and complete squads in this edition. Exceptional squad depth, tactical versatility, experience in major competitions: Les Bleus tick every box for a team capable of going all the way in a World Cup.

Their main rivals according to bookmakers remain England, Brazil, Spain and defending champion Argentina. Potential duels in the round of 16, quarter-finals or semi-finals would thrill football fans around the world.

The next date for Les Bleus: the warm-up match against Northern Ireland on June 8 in Nantes, then the flight to the United States on June 9. The official World Cup kick-off is set for June 11. France's first match is on June 16 against Senegal in New York. Allez les Bleus!