Ivory Coast stun World Cup favourites France in Nantes friendly

Ivory Coast produced a remarkable second-half comeback to defeat France 2-1 at the Stade de la Beaujoire on Thursday evening.

The result handed Didier Deschamps an unexpected setback in his World Cup preparations, with Amad Diallo sealing the win in the 84th minute.

France entered the friendly as one of the favourites to lift the trophy at the 2026 FIFA World Cup in the United States, Mexico, and Canada.

Les Bleus controlled large portions of the opening period but were left frustrated by wasteful finishing in front of goal.

Rayan Cherki was the chief culprit, spurning a glorious early chance when he fumbled his first touch inside the box.

Kylian Mbappé also squandered a presentable opportunity, with the Real Madrid captain failing to convert as he chased his 57th international goal.

The Manchester City playmaker would, however, find redemption deep into first-half stoppage time.

Latching onto a clever assist from Ibrahim Konaté, Cherki finished calmly to hand France a deserved 1-0 lead at the interval.

Ivory Coast emerged from the dressing room as a transformed side and quickly began to threaten the French backline.

In the 53rd minute, Guéla Doué, younger brother of France international Désiré Doué, drew the Elephants level from Nicolas Pépé’s inviting delivery.

The visitors, led by experienced campaigners Franck Kessié and Evan Ndicka, grew in confidence as the half progressed.

France responded with attacking changes, sending on Warren Zaïre-Emery for Cherki in the 78th minute.

Three minutes earlier, Wilfried Singo had limped off for the Ivory Coast and was replaced by Ousmane Diomande.

Marcus Thuram came closest to restoring the lead, heading wide from Lucas Digne’s cross before being substituted for Bradley Barcola.

The killer blow then arrived in the 84th minute through a moment of quality from the visitors.

Doué turned provider, whipping a dangerous cross from the right that Amad Diallo converted emphatically into the bottom-left corner.

Despite six minutes of added time and late corners, France could not find a response, with Ange-Yoan Bonny nearly adding a third on the counter.

The result represents a major statement from the Elephants, who face Germany, Ecuador, and Curaçao in Group E.

France, drawn in Group I alongside Senegal, Iraq, and Norway, now head back to the drawing board ahead of the tournament.