France prepare for their 17th World Cup in history as they travel to one of the host nations, USA, for the two friendlies against South American giants, Brazil and Colombia, in the final international break in March 2026 before the main event this summer. Les Bleus qualified for the current edition of the tournament set to be hosted in USA, Canada and Mexico, by topping their qualifying group unbeaten with six points clear of the playoff spot. Didier Deschamps' men will hope to carry forward their incredible momentum with these friendlies providing an ideal opportunity to choose the players making the final cut for the tournament. France are facing Senegal, Norway and one of the inter-confederation playoff winners in a tough group at the 2026 World Cup so they need to be in their best shape and form. However, the team selection for the friendlies has been disrupted due to few injuries while there has been some inclusions in the squad that has raised eyebrows.
France Squad for March Friendlies
Goalkeepers: Lucas Chevalier, Mike Maignan, Brice Samba
Defenders: Lucas Digne, Malo Gusto, Lucas Hernandez, Theo Hernandez, Pierre Kalulu, Ibrahima Konate, Dayot Upamecano
Midfielders: Eduardo Camavinga, N'Golo Kante, Manu Kone, Adrien Rabiot, Aurelien Tchouameni, Warren Zaire-Emery
Forwards: Maghnes Akliouche, Rayan Cherki, Ousmane Dembele, Desire Doue, Hugo Ekitike, Randal Kolo Muani, Kylian Mbappe, Michael Olise, Marcus Thuram
Manager: Didier Deschamps
Kylian Mbappe has been included in the France squad for the friendlies in March 2026 despite recovering from his knee injury fully only a week before the international break. The Frenchman missed action close to a month after suffering the problem in the La Liga game against Osasuna back in late February. It indicates the former PSG star is absolutely central to Deschamps's plans again despite having a wealth of attacking talent in store who can step in his absence including Ballon d'Or winner Ousmane Dembele and Bayern Munich's star winter Michael Olise among the rest. Mbappe is also three goals away from matching Oliver Giroud's all-time scoring record for France, making these games that more crucial for him. His Real Madrid teammates, Eduardo Camavinga and Aurelien Tchouameni also retained their place in the midfield.
Alongside the most obvious additions of the exciting Rayan Cherki of Manchester City, Desire Doue, Liverpool forward Hugo Ekitike and Monaco talent Maghnes Akliouche, there has been a call up for Tottenham's Randal Kolo Muani as well despite the struggles of the team. The 27-year-old receives his first call up since the Nations League semifinal stage in June 2025. However, Bradley Barcola will be a loss after he was ruled out with an injury sustained in the Round of 16 second leg against Chelsea. Another huge loss will be of William Saliba, who despite named in the squad, had to withdraw after the Carabao Cup final to stay back in London to access his condition. The other big call made by the manager is to include Lucas Chevalier despite the shot-stopper losing his number one position at PSG to Matvei Safonov after some questionable performances in between the sticks.
France Fixtures for March Friendlies 2026
Friday, 27 March 2026
Brazil vs France - Gillette Stadium, Massachusetts (01:30)
Monday, 30 March 2026
Colombia vs France - Northwest Stadium (00:30)
France will take on Brazil in an iconic fixture that reminds of the 1998 World Cup final where they defeated the Selecao to lift their first trophy on home soil and also the 2006 edition where they eliminated the competition favourites from the quarterfinal stage. However, Les Bleus haven't won their last two meetings with Brazil, both being friendlies, as they seek a first win against them since 2011 on 27 March 2026 at Gillette Stadium in Massachusetts. They face a tricky Colombia next three days later at Northwest Stadium in Summerfield which will be their first game against them since 2018.
