The French squad faces Ivory Coast in Nantes on June 5 and Northern Ireland in Lille on June 8 before jetting off to the U.S. to kick off their World Cup campaign against Senegal on June 16. These preparatory games follow a long tradition of high-stakes friendlies that have tested the mettle of Les Bleus in unique ways.
The heartbreak of Djibril Cissé
France vs China — June 7, 2006, Saint-Étienne
An image seared into memory: on his first touch, Djibril Cissé, starting for Raymond Domenech, was tripped by Chinese captain Zheng Zhi. His right leg twisted unnaturally — a double fracture of tibia and fibula, echoing a similar injury he suffered in 2004 with Liverpool. That day also saw Zinédine Zidane miss a penalty — the only one he ever failed to convert in his international career. Though he later scored two in the tournament (including the famous panenka in the final), this miss stood out in a preparation match marked by fragility.
World Cup outcome: runners-up.
Zidane’s thigh and the weight of expectation
South Korea vs France — 2–3, May 26, 2002, Suwon
Fresh off a Champions League victory with Real Madrid, Zidane took a brief leave for the birth of his second child before joining the French squad in Japan. Just days later, in Ibusuki, he lined up against South Korea — and tore his left thigh muscle. Fatigue and jet lag took their toll. Though France won the match, the injury foreshadowed early struggles. The team, led by Roger Lemerre, never recovered, eliminated in the group stage.
World Cup outcome: group stage exit.
The assassin in jersey 21
Finland vs France — 0–1, June 5, 1998, Helsinki
After a missed chance by Christophe Dugarry, commentator Jean-Michel Larqué branded him an “assassin” live on air. The comment stung, and the team refused to appear on Téléfoot the next day. David Trezeguet scored the goal, but it was Dugarry, wearing the number 21 jersey, who would later deliver in the tournament. Stéphane Guivarc’h, despite a modest one-goal tally in blue, started the World Cup. But Dugarry’s moment came — and so did glory.
World Cup outcome: world champions.
A three-part farce in Guatemala
France vs Guatemala — 8–1, May 21, 1986, Tlaxcala (Mexico)
Frustrated that a non-official training match was being televised, Henri Michel split the game into three 33-minute periods — a total of 98 minutes. Played at noon in scorching heat at 2,230 meters altitude, the French team wore red. Jean Tigana protested: “Advertisers forced us to play at midday.” The players even demanded a share of broadcast rights. Despite the absurdity, the match showcased France’s attacking talent.
World Cup outcome: third place.
Boycotts and jeers in Tunisia
France vs Tunisia — 2–0, May 19, 1978, Villeneuve-d’Ascq
A banner under the scoreboard read: “Argentina 1978: no football with concentration camps.” A protest against the World Cup being held in a military dictatorship. France struggled in the first half, with Tunisian fans taunting: “Help! Platini, save us!” Michel Platini, introduced late, scored — his first of many as he led France’s resurgence.
World Cup outcome: group stage exit.
A final warm-up in Scotland
Selkirk vs France — 2–11, July 7, 1966
Days before the World Cup in England, France played modest Scottish sides to boost morale. After defeats of 8–1 and 8–0, Selkirk was next. But Lucien Muller boycotted, claiming he was not in the plans. Henri Guérin praised the team’s spirit, but the disjointed preparation reflected deeper tactical issues. France exited early.
World Cup outcome: group stage exit.
Just Fontaine: the birth of a legend
Närke vs France — 0–12, May 25, 1958
Without Raymond Kopa, France dismantled a third- and fourth-division Swedish side. Just Fontaine, who had scored only twice in five appearances, netted four goals. A week later, he repeated the feat. René Bliard’s injury cleared the path for Fontaine, whose scoring spree in Sweden would culminate in his record 13-goal World Cup haul.
World Cup outcome: third place.
An experimental eleven in Belgium
Belgium vs France — 3–3, May 30, 1954, Brussels
With the World Cup weeks away, manager Gaston Barreau overhauled the squad, dropping five starters. He fielded an experimental team at the Heysel Stadium while a France B side played Spain separately. The lack of cohesion was glaring. The main squad lost 3–2 to Belgium and was eliminated in the group stage.
World Cup outcome: group stage exit.
An English tactician’s frustration
Netherlands vs France — 4–5, May 10, 1934, Amsterdam
New manager George Kimpton tried to impose the WM formation days before the World Cup. Against the Dutch, France’s defense faltered. Kimpton’s frustration boiled over in Italy, where he reportedly told his half-back Georges Verriest: “If he goes to the toilet, you go too!” after a poor tactical display. France lost to Austria in their opener and were out.
World Cup outcome: group stage exit.
A royal voyage and a historic debut
France vs Romania — 4–2, July 10, 1930, Montevideo
Thirteen days at sea aboard the Conte Verde forged bonds between players. A week after arrival, France faced Romania in their first-ever World Cup warm-up. L’Auto noted: “The match lasted an hour, ending 4–2 to France.” Romania’s players had been selected by King Carol II, who granted them three months’ leave from work. France would go on to lose their opener to Mexico and be eliminated.
World Cup outcome: group stage exit.