France closed their World Cup warm-up in Landover with a confident 3-1 victory over Colombia as Didier Deschamps heavily rotated the side. Rising star Désiré Doué scored twice, Marcus Thuram added a header, and Kylian Mbappé was introduced late, preserving fitness ahead of a May squad reveal — a result that underlines France’s attacking depth and tactical flexibility heading into the tournament.
France 3-1 Colombia — Match at a glance
France beat Colombia 3-1 in Landover, Maryland, completing a productive set of warm-up fixtures ahead of the World Cup. Désiré Doué’s brace and a Marcus Thuram header secured the win, while Jaminton Campaz pulled one back for Colombia. Kylian Mbappé made a late substitute appearance after returning from a brief knee layoff.
Key moments and goals
Désiré Doué opened the scoring after 30 minutes with a low drive from the edge of the box that was deflected in. Marcus Thuram extended the lead just before halftime with a well-timed header from a Maghnes Akliouche delivery. Doué converted again early in the second half, before Campaz struck off the post to give Colombia a route back into the game.
Selection signals: what Deschamps showed
Didier Deschamps sent a clear message by overhauling the starting XI. The heavy rotation was not mere rest management; it showcased France’s depth across positions and the coach’s willingness to trust emerging talent in high-stakes friendlies. Resting Mbappé for most of the match while blooding younger options suggests a plan to protect his fitness without sacrificing form.
Why Doué’s performance matters
Doué’s two-goal display elevates his stock heading into the squad selection. He combined composure in front of goal with intelligent movement, offering a different attacking profile to France’s established forwards. That type of versatility increases pressure on the fringe players competing for the final slots.
Tactical read: balance of flair and control
Over two warm-up matches France managed to blend stylistic polish with pragmatic efficiency. The side alternated between measured possession and incisive transitional play, exploiting Colombia’s vulnerability to quick vertical passes down the channels. Deschamps appears to be refining a system that preserves defensive structure while allowing creative players freedom in the final third.
Colombia’s response and weaknesses exposed
Colombia began the match with purpose but were quickly overwhelmed by France’s rotation-driven intensity. The visitors created moments of danger yet struggled to contain France’s forward runners and switches of play. Defensive lapses, particularly during set-piece sequences and transitional moments, were punished.
Implications for the World Cup squad
This result gives Deschamps more clarity when finalizing his World Cup list. Performances from squad hopefuls like Doué and Akliouche strengthen the argument for including younger, dynamic options. Conversely, players who struggled may find themselves with more to prove in training camps.
What to watch next
Expect Deschamps to prioritize balance — mixing experience with youth — when he names the squad in May. Mbappé’s late introduction was a clear nod to fitness management; how he is used in the opening tournament matches will be pivotal. Keep an eye on Doué and Thuram in training and any subsequent friendlies as they push for tournament minutes.
Final assessment
France’s 3-1 win over Colombia was more than a friendly result; it was a controlled audition for World Cup roles. The triumph confirmed attacking depth and tactical adaptability without overexposing key players.
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For Didier Deschamps, the match offered evidence that his squad can marry star power with emerging talent — a combination that could prove decisive on the biggest stage.
Al Jazeera
