Ivory Coast delivered a significant warning to one of the 2026 World Cup favorites, France, by securing a surprise 2-1 victory in a friendly match on Thursday in Nantes.

The Elephants came from behind in the second half to overcome a French side that had taken the lead through Rayan Cherki in the first half. The defeat has prompted discussions about France's readiness for the upcoming global tournament.

After Guela Doue equalized for Ivory Coast, Manchester United player Amad Diallo scored the winning goal, sealing the comeback for the African nation. The French team, which featured an experimental lineup and made several substitutions, acknowledged the setback but downplayed concerns.

Midfielder Aurelien Tchouameni stated that the loss, while disappointing, occurred during a preparation phase and should not be overly analyzed. He emphasized that the team remains confident and will be ready for their World Cup opener against Senegal on June 16.

Defender Lucas Hernandez echoed Tchouameni's sentiments, attributing some of the result to numerous substitutions made during the match. He stressed that the team's spirit remains high despite the loss.

France coach Didier Deschamps admitted his team lost control in the second half, acknowledging that Ivory Coast's pace posed a significant challenge. He suggested that facing similar teams in the World Cup would require a stronger performance after the break.

Deschamps also indicated that the defeat could serve as a valuable reminder to his squad, preventing any potential complacency. He stated that the result acts as a "reminder, if we needed one, not to think we're better than we are."

The friendly match highlighted Ivory Coast's capabilities and served as a wake-up call for France, underscoring the competitive nature of the upcoming World Cup and the challenges that await even the most favored teams.