France Fine-Tunes for World Cup with Victory Over Colombia

Landover, MD – March 30, 2026 – Les Bleus dispatched Colombia 3-1 on Sunday at Northwest Stadium in Landover, Maryland, in a friendly match serving as a key preparation fixture ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Even as the scoreline reflects a comfortable victory, the match also provided glimpses into the evolving dynamics within the French squad, particularly a minor on-field disagreement over a set piece that highlighted the ambition brewing within the team.

The match, part of a US tour for the French national team, saw a rotated squad accept the field, offering opportunities for players to stake their claim for a place in Didier Deschamps’ final World Cup roster. The victory followed a 2-1 win against Brazil earlier in the tour, signaling positive momentum as the tournament draws closer. The focus now shifts to finalizing the squad and refining tactical approaches for the challenges ahead this June.

Cherki and Digne: A Moment of Competition

A brief but noticeable exchange occurred between Rayan Cherki and Lucas Digne during the first half, as both players vied to take a free kick. Cherki, eager to showcase his skills, initially grabbed the ball, but Digne ultimately assumed responsibility, sending the attempt into the wall. The incident sparked some post-match discussion, but both players quickly downplayed any tension.

“There really aren’t any instructions,” Cherki explained to TF1 after the match, as reported by RMC Sport. “I took a really beautiful one during the warm-up. Of course, I wanted to take it, but I’ll let Lucas have it, it’s not a big deal.” He added with a smile, hinting at a playful rivalry, “He’ll be coming to play at our place soon (Manchester City vs. Aston Villa in the Premier League), we’ll take care of him.”

The exchange, while seemingly minor, underscores the competitive spirit within the French camp. Cherki, currently with Manchester City, is clearly determined to make his mark, and the willingness to challenge a seasoned veteran like Digne speaks to his confidence. This ambition, Deschamps will hope, translates into a relentless drive on the pitch when the World Cup begins.

Players Reflect on Tour and Upcoming Tournament

Beyond the free-kick incident, the overall mood within the French squad appears positive. Rayan Cherki emphasized the team’s cohesion and enjoyment during the American tour. “We had a lot of fun with the guys, it’s nice! We are exceptionally satisfied. On the cohesion side, it’s magnificent. We have a young group, who live well, and a coach who understands us perfectly,” Cherki stated. “And on the pitch, you saw it today or against Brazil, it’s really interesting what we produce. These were two matches to repeat our drills, we’re not rushing, and we’re looking forward to June.”

Marcus Thuram echoed this sentiment, noting the physicality of the match against Colombia. “We played against a very, very aggressive opponent. We knew how to do things well and score three goals,” he said. Thuram also acknowledged the importance of emerging as a key contributor, adding, “I don’t know if I’ve scored points. I hope I helped the team with a goal and an assist. I’m happy for the win. It feels good. We’re waiting for the list.”

Désiré Doué, who also impressed in the match, expressed his pride in representing France. “It’s a lot of pride. I’m very happy. It was a good victory today. It wasn’t easy, there was a lot of intensity. We had two good preparation matches before this World Cup. We are very happy. The coach told us it was important to win this match. That’s what we did. We put in the intensity, we did good things. We have to keep it up. I strive to help the team, to play better in each match. I am rewarded today, that’s great.”

Defensive Solidity and Emerging Talent

The victory wasn’t solely about attacking flair. Players like Maxence Lacroix, who started as a defender, expressed their delight at the opportunity to contribute. “I’m very happy to start as a starter. It’s been a long time since I wanted to come here (to the United States), I had fun, I integrated very well into the group, of course I want to come back. Wearing the France team jersey is a great pride,” Lacroix said.

Pierre Kalulu also emphasized the importance of seizing opportunities. “You have to be keen to reveal what you are capable of despite the little playing time, and respond present. Today, I’m just happy to have won and had a good match, I’ll have time later to ask myself the question (about his presence on the list).”

Lucas Digne highlighted the team’s growing cohesion, stating, “We had a lot of cohesion and even if we had less automatism it was a very good match and a good repetition. When you are surrounded by good players, it is not hard. I retain two victories and two good matches.”

Looking Ahead to the World Cup

With the US tour concluded, the focus for Les Bleus now firmly rests on the upcoming World Cup. Deschamps faces the challenging task of finalizing his squad, balancing experience with emerging talent. The performances of players like Cherki, Doué, and Thuram will undoubtedly be heavily scrutinized as he makes his final decisions. The team’s ability to maintain the positive chemistry displayed during this tour will be crucial as they prepare to compete on the world’s biggest stage.

The French team will be looking to build on this momentum as they head into the tournament, aiming to replicate the success they achieved at the 2018 World Cup. The blend of youth and experience, coupled with a clear desire to compete, suggests that France will be a formidable opponent for any team they face this June.

The next confirmed checkpoint for the French national team is the announcement of the final World Cup squad, expected in the coming weeks. Fans will be eagerly awaiting the list, hoping to observe their favorite players included in Deschamps’ selection.

What are your thoughts on France’s preparations for the World Cup? Share your predictions and opinions in the comments below!