The French national team suffered a 2-1 loss to Ivory Coast on Thursday evening in Nantes, marking the first of two preparatory matches for the 2026 World Cup. Individually, few of the French players truly stood out, with the notable exception of goalscorer Rayan Cherki. The defense, however, failed to inspire confidence. Here are the ratings from the RMC Sport editorial team.
Analysis of French Player Performances Against Ivory Coast
In the recent friendly against Ivory Coast, held in Nantes as part of the build-up to the 2026 World Cup, the French squad experienced a disappointing 2-1 defeat. While the team’s overall performance was not convincing, individual contributions varied significantly. Notably, the defensive pairing of Konaté and Koundé found themselves in difficult situations throughout the match, struggling to contain the Ivorian attack.
In contrast, young talent Rayan Cherki emerged as a bright spark for France. He demonstrated an energetic display and was instrumental in the team’s efforts, capped by a decisive goal. His performance offered a glimpse of potential and a positive takeaway from an otherwise unfavorable result.
However, the rearguard remained a concern. The defensive unit as a whole did not provide the expected solidity, raising questions ahead of future crucial fixtures. This assessment reflects the compiled ratings from the RMC Sport editorial staff, highlighting the individual efforts and shortcomings of the French players in this encounter.
