France prepares for Ivory Coast with Konaté starting for Saliba

France faces Ivory Coast in an international friendly on June 4 at Stade de la Beaujoire in Nantes, part of their preparation for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Manager Didier Deschamps will deploy a 4-2-3-1 formation, with Ibrahima Konaté stepping in for William Saliba, who is sidelined due to back pain. Alongside Konaté, Dayot Upamecano will lead the defense, while Kylian Mbappé is expected to spearhead the attack. Deschamps plans to make up to 10 substitutions to manage player workload, particularly after the involvement of PSG players in the Champions League. France will play again against Northern Ireland on June 6.

• 6:25 AMYahoo Sports — France predicted XI v Ivory Coast: Ibrahima Konaté to fill in for William Saliba