Story perspectives

France Hosts Ivory Coast; Mbappé Nears Scoring Record

6/5/2026

Summary

Mbappé Chasing Record

France will host Ivory Coast in a friendly in Nantes on June 4, 2026.
France is unbeaten in nine matches, scoring 2.7 goals and conceding over one per game.
Ivory Coast has conceded 0.7 goals per match in its last ten and will field Amad Diallo and Franck Kessié.
Kylian Mbappé, one goal shy of Olivier Giroud’s record, is expected to start with odds of France –400, draw +500, Ivory Coast +1100.

Summary

Deschamps Wake-up

Coach Didier Deschamps called the 2-1 loss to Ivory Coast a “wake-up call.”
He said ten halftime substitutions disrupted cohesion, making the second half less cohesive.
Defender Lucas Hernández said the changes left the squad in good spirits.
Midfielder Aurelien Tchouameni urged media to view the loss as normal preparation.
Deschamps warned France will meet Senegal on June 16 in New York.

Summary

Ivory Coast Upset

Ivory Coast’s manager, born in Nantes, guided the Elephants to a surprise 2-1 win over tournament-favorite France.
Right-back Guéla Doué scored and assisted, while winger Nicolas Pépé also contributed decisively for Ivory Coast.
Doué’s brother Désiré Doué watched from the French bench as his sibling netted against their national side.
A large contingent of Ivory Coast supporters filled Stade de la Beaujoire, creating a vibrant atmosphere for the friendly.

History

Historical Context

On 12 July 1998 France hosted the World Cup final at the newly built Stade de France, defeating Brazil 3-0 with two Zidane headers and a Petit strike, earning its first title and becoming the sixth nation to win on home soil. The tournament, expanded to 32 teams, set the stage for France’s Euro 2000 triumph, cementing a new era of French dominance.

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Mbappé Chasing Record

France will host Ivory Coast in a friendly in Nantes on June 4, 2026.
France is unbeaten in nine matches, scoring 2.7 goals and conceding over one per game.
Ivory Coast has conceded 0.7 goals per match in its last ten and will field Amad Diallo and Franck Kessié.
Kylian Mbappé, one goal shy of Olivier Giroud’s record, is expected to start with odds of France –400, draw +500, Ivory Coast +1100.

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