France’s journey toward the 2025 World Cup officially commenced on Thursday evening in Nantes, where Didier Deschamps unveiled a bold starting XI for the friendly against Ivory Coast at the Stade de la Beaujoire. With the tournament just weeks away, the match served as the first real audition for players vying for a place on the plane, and the head coach’s selections sent a clear message about the depth and competition within his squad.
Deschamps opted for a 4-2-3-1 formation, a system that emphasizes attacking fluidity and creativity. Kylian Mbappé, the undisputed talisman, was deployed as the central striker, while Michael Olise operated in the playmaker role behind him. The wide areas were entrusted to two players who have been knocking on the door: Marcus Thuram on the left and Rayan Cherki on the right.
The inclusion of Thuram and Cherki from the start was the headline-grabbing decision. Thuram, typically a center-forward for Inter Milan, was asked to bring his physicality and directness to the wing, a role he has occasionally filled at club level. Cherki, the gifted Lyon playmaker, was given a rare opportunity to translate his domestic flair onto the international stage. For both players, this match represented a pivotal moment to stake their claim for a starting role when the real action begins next month.
Equally noteworthy was the complete absence of Paris Saint-Germain players in the starting lineup. Ousmane Dembélé, Désiré Doué, Bradley Barcola, Warren Zaïre-Emery, and Lucas Chevalier were all confined to the substitutes’ bench. Their omission was widely interpreted as a precautionary measure, coming just five days after PSG’s grueling Champions League final triumph over Arsenal, which required extra time and penalties. Deschamps appears eager to manage their workload carefully ahead of the World Cup.
William Saliba, the Arsenal center-back who featured in that same Champions League final, was not even included in the matchday squad. Unlike his PSG counterparts, Saliba was granted a complete rest, a decision that underscored the physical toll of the domestic and European season. In his place, Ibrahima Konaté partnered Dayot Upamecano in central defense, a pairing that offered familiarity from their time together at RB Leipzig.
The remainder of the French defense featured the reliable Theo Hernandez at left-back and Jules Koundé on the right, while Mike Maignan continued his role as the undisputed first-choice goalkeeper. In midfield, the tried-and-tested duo of Aurélien Tchouaméni and Adrien Rabiot provided a solid shield in front of the back four.
Ivory Coast, under new management and boasting a blend of youth and experience, lined up in a 4-3-3. The Ivorian attack was led by Elye Wahi, the former Montpellier and current Eintracht Frankfurt striker, flanked by Simon Adingra—preferred to Manchester United’s Amad Diallo—and Yan Diomandé. The midfield trio of Franck Kessié, Seko Fofana, and Ibrahim Sangaré brought physicality and ball-winning prowess. An intriguing subplot saw Guéla Doué start at right-back for Ivory Coast, facing off against his brother Désiré, who was watching from the French bench.
Deschamps’ experimentation with his lineup was not merely about resting tired legs; it was a strategic exploration of his options in the final third. The 4-2-3-1 shape allowed Olise to float between the lines, a role that suits his vision and passing range, while the pace of Thuram and Cherki stretched the Ivorian defense. Mbappé’s central positioning meant he would see more of the ball in dangerous areas, a setup that could prove devastating against top-tier opposition.
With the World Cup set to kick off on June 11 and run until July 19, time is running out for players on the fringe. Thuram and Cherki knew that a standout performance in Nantes could catapult them into the conversation for a starting berth, especially if Deschamps continues to balance the squad’s fitness. The PSG contingent, meanwhile, will likely be called upon when the competitive matches begin, but their understudies had a golden chance to make an impression.
The match in Nantes was more than a friendly; it was a litmus test for France’s ambitions. Deschamps has a wealth of talent at his disposal, but integrating novel partnerships and ensuring tactical harmony is the last piece of the puzzle. As the clock ticks down to the World Cup opener, every minute on the pitch carries added weight. The coach’s decisions against Ivory Coast offered a tantalizing glimpse into the pecking order—one that could shift dramatically based on what unfolded over 90 minutes.
Based on reporting from L'Equipe.