League: FIFA World Cup Sport: Soccer Country: Global Category: Playoffs

France plans starting XI against Northern Ireland with key players returning

Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Jun 8, 2026, 7:55 AM

Last updated Jun 8, 2026

France plans starting XI against Northern Ireland with key players returning

Summary

France will face Northern Ireland in a friendly on Monday night, with Didier Deschamps set to showcase a lineup similar to what he plans to use against Senegal in the FIFA World Cup opener. William Saliba is expected to start despite earlier concerns regarding a back issue. The match follows an experimental game against Ivory Coast, which allowed Deschamps to give playing time to various players. The anticipated starting eleven includes key players like Kylian Mbappé, Ousmane Dembélé, and Michael Olise in a crucial final tune-up before the tournament.

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Key Details

•France faces Northern Ireland in a friendly on June 8.
•Deschamps aims to finalize his lineup for the World Cup.
•William Saliba is expected to play despite injury concerns.
•Match follows an experimental outing against Ivory Coast.
•Key players include Kylian Mbappé and Ousmane Dembélé.

Latest Updates

7:55 AMYahoo Sports — France predicted XI v Northern Ireland: Désiré Doué to start on the left, Ousmane Dembélé comes in

What they're saying

"
Didier Deschamps said that the side that starts against Northern Ireland in Monday night’s friendly will closely resemble that which starts against Senegal in France’s FIFA World Cup opener. The ...
— Yahoo Sports

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