WASHINGTON D.C. – A rotated France squad secured a 2-0 victory over Colombia in a friendly match played Sunday at Landover, Maryland, as players vying for a spot in Didier Deschamps’ final 2026 World Cup roster made their case. The match, part of France’s pre-tournament preparation, saw first-half goals from Désiré Doué and Marcus Thuram, providing a positive boost ahead of the summer tournament in the United States, Mexico, and Canada.
Deschamps opted to rest key players, giving opportunities to those on the periphery of the squad. This tactical decision allowed for a closer look at potential contributors as the team builds towards the World Cup, which is scheduled to run from June 11th to July 19th. The coach’s decision to rotate the squad came after a 2-1 victory against Brazil, providing valuable game time for a wider range of players.
Doué Opens the Scoring in Impressive Fashion
Paris Saint-Germain midfielder Désiré Doué marked his first start for the senior national team with a goal in the 30th minute. The 20-year-aged’s strike, though aided by a deflection off Colombia’s Andrés Muñoz, showcased his attacking instincts and ability to uncover space in the final third. The goal came after a move initiated on the right side of the attack, with Doué capitalizing on a loose ball near the penalty area. It was Doué’s first goal in his career with the French national team.
Thuram Extends the Lead, Surpassing Father’s Goal Record
Just ten minutes later, Marcus Thuram doubled France’s advantage. The Inter Milan forward rose highest to meet a perfectly weighted cross from Maghnes Akliouche, powering a header past Colombia goalkeeper Álvaro Montero. The goal was a testament to Thuram’s aerial ability and clinical finishing.
The goal held added significance for Thuram, as it marked his third international goal, surpassing the tally of his father, Lilian Thuram, who scored two goals in his 142 appearances for France. Lilian Thuram was a stalwart of the French national team for over a decade, and his son’s achievement is a notable moment for the family.
Deschamps Evaluates Options Ahead of World Cup Squad Announcement
The friendly against Colombia provided Deschamps with a valuable opportunity to assess players outside of his established starting eleven. With the World Cup squad announcement scheduled for May 14th – a date slightly delayed due to a rescheduled Ligue 1 match between Lens and Paris Saint-Germain – every performance is under scrutiny. The coach had initially planned to announce the squad on May 13th, but the change was made to accommodate the domestic fixture.
The decision to postpone the announcement was communicated by Deschamps on Saturday during a press conference ahead of the Colombia match. He explained that the delay was necessary due to the scheduling conflict with the Lens-PSG game. The Ligue de Football Professionnel (LFP) agreed to reschedule the match to May 13th at the request of Paris Saint-Germain, who are preparing for a crucial Champions League quarter-final tie against Liverpool.
Prior to the match against Colombia, Deschamps emphasized his intention to give playing time to as many players as possible. He stated his desire to evaluate all available options and avoid taking unnecessary risks with player fitness. The coach also noted the importance of observing players in a competitive environment, despite the friendly nature of the match.
What’s Next for the French National Team
Following this successful tour of the United States, France will play two more friendly matches before the start of the World Cup. They will face Côte d’Ivoire on June 4th in Nantes and then play a yet-to-be-determined opponent on June 8th in Lille. These matches will serve as final preparations before the team travels to Boston, where they will establish their base camp for the tournament.
The team will be looking to build on this positive momentum as they prepare for a challenging World Cup campaign. The competition is expected to be fierce, with France aiming to contend for the title in North America.
Fans eager to follow the team’s progress can find the latest updates and official announcements on the French Football Federation’s website (https://www.fff.fr/).
The performance of players like Doué and Thuram will undoubtedly be at the forefront of Deschamps’ mind as he finalizes his squad. The coming weeks will be crucial as the coach makes the difficult decisions necessary to select the 23 players who will represent France on the world stage.
