France vs. Côte d'Ivoire: 5 Things to Watch
As France prepare to face Côte d'Ivoire in a friendly tomorrow, we look at some of the key points ahead of a match in which the majority of both squads have featured in Ligue 1 McDonald's. With the World Cup days away, players from each country will be looking to take a final opportunity to prove themselves against a high level of opposition.
The brotherly battle resumes
While Guéla Doué -- one of the most consistent players for RC Strasbourg this season -- is likely to be included in Emerse Faé's lineup, his brother -- PSG's Désiré will probably be rested after the weekend's efforts. The two brothers -- both graduates of the Stade Rennais academy -- are yet to face each other on international duty, but will no doubt be glad to resume their rivalry in the area where both came of age.
Adingra shows his mettle
After a strong conclusion to the season, having prospered under Sébastien Pocognoli despite AS Monaco's not reaching the Champions League, Simon Adingra has been called up for Côte d'Ivoire with the mission of once again putting his stamp on an international tournament. While his form has sometimes been uneven for his country, his display in the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations was vital for his country, and he'll be eager to showcase his level once more.
Adingra, what a winter signing by Monaco! 🇨🇮⭐️ pic.twitter.com/R6VAUSDxh7
— Ligue 1 English (@Ligue1_ENG) April 25, 2026
Wahi to make the difference?
Another player to have closed the season in fine form is Elye Wahi, having impressed on loan with OGC Nice with nine goals since joining in the winter window. Having netted crucial strikes in the relegation/promotion playoffs against Saint-Étienne and in the Coupe de France, his having declared for Côte d'Ivoire will give Les Éléphants' attack an extra dimension.
No Ligue 1 players in les Bleus' XI?
With Paris Saint-Germain fresh off having won Saturday's Champions League final in extra time, none of their quintet of players are likely to feature from the off. Maghnes Akliouche of AS Monaco is in the squad -- as are reserve goalkeepers Robin Risser and Brice Samba -- but none of the trio are likely to start, a rarity under Didier Deschamps.
A homecoming for Faé
While Côte d'Ivoire captain Emerse Faé won forty caps for his country, before moving to join Les Élephants' coaching staff in 2022, this match at the Beaujoire represents a homecoming for him. Born in Nantes, he came through the club's academy before leaving following their relegation in 2007, having played in more than a hundred matches, including in the final of the 2004 Coupe de la Ligue.
Predicted lineups
France (4-2-3-1): Maignan; Koundé, Upamecano, Konaté, T. Hernandez (or Digne); Tchouameni, Koné (or Rabiot); Cherki, Olise, Thuram; Mbappé
Côte d'Ivoire (4-3-3): Fofana; Doué, Kossounou (or Singo), Diomandé, Konan; Sangaré, Oulaï, Kessié; Diallo, Wahi, Diomandé
