Landover, Maryland – France continued its strong form in preparation for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, defeating Colombia 3-1 in a friendly match played Sunday at Northwest Stadium. Désiré Doué scored twice for Les Bleus, with Marcus Thuram adding another, while Jaminton Campaz netted a consolation goal for Colombia.
The win completes a perfect March international window for France, who previously defeated Brazil 2-1 with goals from Kylian Mbappé and Hugo Ekitiké. This latest victory underscores France’s growing confidence as they build towards the expanded 2026 tournament.
Dominant First Half Sets the Tone
France controlled the tempo from the opening whistle, translating their possession into a lead before halftime. In the 29th minute, Doué unleashed a shot from outside the box that deflected off a defender and past Colombia goalkeeper José Luis Montero. Just before the break, in the 40th minute, Maghnes Akliouche delivered a cross into the area, finding Thuram who headed the ball into the net to extend the lead to 2-0.
The second half saw France maintain its dominance. Thuram continued to be a threat, setting up Doué for his second goal in the 55th minute. Thuram received the ball on the right wing and delivered a low cross that Doué finished with a first-time strike. Colombia managed to pull one back in the 76th minute when Campaz scored with a curling shot, but it wasn’t enough to spark a comeback.
A Squad in Form Ahead of 2026
France manager Didier Deschamps utilized a largely rotated squad against Colombia, giving opportunities to several younger players alongside more experienced members of the team. The performance demonstrated the depth and quality within the French national team setup. The victory was particularly encouraging given the absence of several key players, suggesting a strong collective spirit and tactical flexibility.
For Colombia, the match provided a valuable opportunity to test themselves against one of the world’s top teams. Players like Jhon Arias and James Rodríguez featured in the first half, while Andrés Gómez entered the match as a substitute in the second half. Still, they were unable to contain the French attack.
Looking Ahead to the World Cup
France is drawn into Group I for the 2026 World Cup, and will begin their campaign on June 16th against Senegal. They will then face the winner of the playoff match between Bolivia and Iraq on June 22nd, before concluding the group stage against Norway on June 26th. All matches will be played in the United States.
This series of friendlies, including the victories over Brazil and Colombia, provides a solid foundation for France as they prepare for the challenges ahead. The team appears to be building momentum and cohesion, and the depth of the squad suggests they will be strong contenders in the 2026 tournament.
The expanded format of the 2026 World Cup, featuring 48 teams, will present new challenges and opportunities. France’s ability to perform consistently well against top opposition, as demonstrated in these recent matches, will be crucial to their success. The team’s tactical adaptability and the emergence of young talents like Doué will also be key factors.
For those following the team closely, the next confirmed checkpoint is the June 16th match against Senegal. Fans can stay updated on team news and schedules through the official French Football Federation website.
What are your thoughts on France’s performance? Share your opinions in the comments below!
