France vs Ivory Coast – With barely a week before the start of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, African giants Ivory Coast pulled off an upset to defeat a star-studded French national team.
Despite parading some of the biggest names, including Kylian Mbappe, N’Golo Kante and Michael Olise, Les Blues were defeated right inside the packed Stade de la Beaujoire in Nantes.
The encounter lived up to its pre-match razzmatazz, with managers assessing some of their players in different departments as they warm up for the Mundial.
In the 10th minute, Michael Olise slipped the ball through to an unmarked Kylian Mbappe, who attempted a powerful strike toward the near post.
However, Ivory Coast goalkeeper Yahia Fofana showed sharp reflexes, throwing out a strong hand to parry the attempt away and keep the score line level.
The Europeans continued to mount the pressure and Adrien Rabiot nearly broke the deadlock with a moment of individual brilliance.
From 25 yards out, the French midfielder found a pocket of space and curled a spectacular left-footed strike, aiming for the top-right corner, but the effort went just wide.
France eventually broke the deadlock on the stroke of halftime courtesy of a fine finish by Rayan Cherki.
The Manchester City star made way past two defenders just 18 yards from goal before drilling a precise strike through a crowded penalty area, hitting the bottom-left corner to put his side ahead.
France are beaten 2-1 at home by Côte d’Ivoire just 12 days before their World Cup opener 😮 pic.twitter.com/Uljpt3jbP7
— B/R Football (@brfootball) June 4, 2026
It was a totally different ball game in the second half with the Elephants looking more determined as they sought for an equalizer.
Guela Doue restored parity for the visitors in the 60th minute after Nicolas Pepe had maneuvered inside both Lucas Digne and Ibrahima Konate before sliding the ball to him, per OI.
The Strasbourg right-back raced through on goal and calmly swept his finish into the bottom-left corner, sending Mike Maignan the wrong way and bringing the visitors back on level terms.
The Ivorians successfully silenced the entire Stade de la Beaujoire with six minutes left on the clock after Amad Diallo arrived on cue to meet the delivery, caressing a delightful, controlled first-time finish into the bottom-left corner.
It ended France 1-2 Ivory Coast.
🚨🇨🇮 AMAD DIALLO GIVES IVORY COAST THE LEAD IN THE 84TH MINUTE!pic.twitter.com/JOYkpMXm22
— Tekkers Foot (@tekkersfoot) June 4, 2026
Iran shift World Cup base to Mexico
Yankee Scores earlier reported that while the U.S. will allow Iran to play their Group G matches in LA and Seattle, a massive standoff is brewing over IRGC military visas.
President of Mexico Claudia Sheinbaum has agreed to allow Iran to stay in Mexico during the World Cup, as the United States were reluctant to host the team.
