France to Compete Against Brazil and Colombia in Friendly Matches

Post by : Mara Rahim

As part of their preparation for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, France will play two notable friendly matches in the United States next March, as announced by French Football Federation president Philippe Diallo. Scheduled to take place before the World Cup in Canada, Mexico, and the United States from June 11 to July 19, these games will serve as a crucial test for the team.

From March 23 to 31, Les Bleus will compete against Colombia in Florida and Brazil in Boston. These matches not only provide an opportunity to gauge their skills but also to acclimate to the conditions anticipated for the tournament. Diallo remarked, “While nothing is finalized, everything is progressing well for us to take on two prestigious teams in March, perfectly timed as the World Cup is hosted there.”

He also underlined the importance of these encounters in relation to the World Cup draw. As a seeded team, France is assured of no encounter with Brazil in the group stages, although facing Colombia, who is in Pot 2, remains a possibility. “With Brazil being seeded, we won't run into them early. Colombia could be in our path; we will await Didier Deschamps' strategies as we prepare for the draw,” he stated.

The official World Cup draw is set for December 5 in Washington D.C., giving France a significant advantage due to their seeded status, bypassing some of the tougher teams early on. The March friendly matches will be crucial in refining tactics, experimenting with player combinations, and enhancing physical readiness ahead of the tournament.

Additionally, Diallo confirmed plans for two more friendlies in June, ideally hosted in France, allowing Didier Deschamps, the longest-serving coach of the national team, to bid farewell to the home supporters before concluding his tenure post-2026 World Cup.

These engagements are deemed essential for France’s aspirations at the upcoming World Cup. Matches against Brazil and Colombia will afford invaluable experiences against elite teams and enable the coaching staff to assess players' performances in competitive settings.

This announcement highlights the meticulous planning of Les Bleus’ administration, ensuring the squad is well-prepared for the challenges of a lengthy tournament across multiple nations. Competing in the U.S. in March will equip the team to adapt to travel, climates, and stadiums they will encounter during the World Cup.

Fans and analysts alike eagerly anticipate these friendlies, expecting a showcase of top talent and a preview of what the World Cup may hold. For France, these matches signify an excellent occasion for squad refinement, strategic implementation, and momentum building ahead of one of football's largest events.