Manchester United Winger Becomes The Hero As Ivory Coast Defeats France Ahead Of The 2026 World Cup

France National Team has received a sharp warning ahead of the kickoff of the 2026 World Cup. Les Blues suffered a shocking 1-2 defeat against Ivory Coast in a friendly fixture at Stade de la Beaujoire, Nantes, early Friday WIB. Manchester United winger Amad Diallo secured the away side's victory with his goal scored in the closing minutes of the match.

This result served as a reality check for the squad led by Didier Deschamps, who is widely tipped as one of the strongest favourites for the world title. In contrast, Ivory Coast gained a massive confidence boost after defeating one of the biggest powerhouse sides in World Football.

France actually put on a promising performance right from the opening minute. Kylian Mbappé operated as the main attacking driver, and nearly opened the scoring in the 7th minute with a surging run from the left side of the penalty box, only for his attempt to be denied by Ivory Coast Goalkeeper Yahia Fofana.

France continued applying pressure, with Michael Olise and Ibrahima Konaté taking turns creating threats, yet poor final execution remained their main obstacle to break the deadlock.

Amid France's dominant possession, Simon Adingra created a dangerous chance in the 42nd minute. Fortunately for France, Mike Maignan pulled off a critical save to keep his net untouched.

France finally broke the deadlock in the 45th minute. Rayan Cherki displayed his individual quality by dribbling past surrounding opposition defenders before firing an accurate finish into the right corner of the goal. France closed the first half with a 1-0 lead.

Entering the second half, Ivory Coast played with far greater boldness after Les Elephants levelled the score in the 52nd minute.

The equaliser originated from a piercing through ball by Nicolas Pepe that split open France's defensive line. The unmarked Guela Doue inside the penalty box calmly put the ball past Maignan, bringing the score to 1-1.

France attempted to respond. Marcus Thuram almost restored Les Bleus' lead with a long-range strike in the 62nd minute, but the ball sailed just wide of the goal frame.

Just as the match appeared headed for a draw, Ivory Coast landed a decisive blow in the 83rd minute. Doue once again played a key role, sending in a cross from the right flank.

The ball was met cleanly by Amad Diallo inside the penalty area. The Manchester United winger successfully wrong-footed Mike Maignan to put Ivory Coast 2-1 ahead.

This goal sealed the victory and completed a remarkable comeback for Ivory Coast on French home soil. Les Bleus failed to find an equalising goal right up until the final whistle was blown.