Post by : Maya Rahman

In a significant move to prepare for the upcoming FIFA World Cup, set to take place from June 11 to July 19 across Canada, Mexico, and the United States, France is set to engage in two high-profile friendly matches in the US next March. This announcement comes from the president of the French Football Federation, Philippe Diallo.

Scheduled during the international window from March 23 to 31, the French national team, known as Les Bleus, will compete against Colombia in Florida and Brazil in Boston. These matches will provide an opportunity to gauge their performance against formidable teams while acclimatizing to the tournament environment. Diallo remarked, “Nothing is finalized yet, but we are on the path to utilize this opportunity in March against two prestigious rivals. It aligns perfectly with the fact that the World Cup will be hosted there.”

He further emphasized that these friendlies are crucial ahead of the World Cup draw. France has secured a seeded position, ensuring they avoid Brazil in the group stage. However, Colombia, residing in Pot 2, could potentially be a rival. “Brazil is seeded, so we know we won't meet them in the group stage. Colombia might be an opponent; we'll have to see what Didier Deschamps decides as we await the draw. While we maintain our progress, we are eagerly anticipating the outcomes,” Diallo stated.

The official World Cup draw is scheduled for December 5 in Washington D.C., where being seeded gives France a significant advantage, preventing them from facing the toughest teams initially. The friendlies in March will assist the squad in sharpening their strategies, testing player combinations, and boosting match fitness prior to the tournament.

Additionally, Diallo confirmed plans for two more friendly matches in June, ideally to be hosted in France, providing Didier Deschamps an opportunity to bid farewell to home supporters before concluding his remarkable tenure post-World Cup. Deschamps, known as the longest-serving coach in French football history, led the team to two World Cup finals.

These preparations are deemed essential for France's ambitions in the upcoming World Cup. Encountering Brazil and Colombia will grant valuable insights against elite teams and enable the coaching staff to assess players in competitive settings.

This announcement also illustrates the major planning by Les Bleus’ management to ensure readiness in tackling the challenges of a lengthy tournament spanning three nations. March's matches will help the team adapt to diverse travel, climatic conditions, and stadium environments expected during the World Cup.

Fans and football analysts alike are eagerly anticipating these encounters, which are set to showcase top players and might present a sneak peek into what can unfold during the World Cup. For the French squad, these matches are crucial for refining their lineup, executing strategies, and building momentum for the most significant event in their football calendar.

#Sports News