On March 30, 2026, France beat Colombia 3–1 in a friendly, following their earlier victory against Brazil. Despite heavy rotation, resting Kylian Mbappé, Ousmane Dembélé, Hugo Ekitike, and Michael Olise, France showed dominant form, highlighting their squad depth.
Led by Marcus Thuram, Désiré Doué, and Rayan Cherki, the starting lineup showcased fluid attacking play, underscoring France’s emerging talent pool.
Doué Steals the Spotlight as the New Generation Rises
France opened the scoring in the 29th minute through a swift counterattack. Thuram provided a clever assist inside the box, and Doué calmly finished to give France the lead. Despite facing a crowded defense, Doué demonstrated composure, technical precision, and excellent game awareness.
Just before halftime, France doubled their advantage. Thuram connected with a cross and powered in a header to make it 2–0. For a player who had been struggling for form at club level, the goal was a timely confidence boost.
In the second half, Doué struck again to complete his brace and effectively seal the win. Although Colombia managed a consolation goal through Capaz, France remained in full control throughout the match.
France’s Attack Looks Among the Best in the World
Following their 2–1 win over Brazil, France have now seen multiple players get on the scoresheet across two matches, reflecting a well-distributed attacking threat. This variety makes it significantly harder for opponents to defend and enhances the team’s overall offensive danger.
At present, France’s attacking lineup is exceptionally strong. Mbappé and Dembélé remain the focal points, while Olise’s outstanding club performances suggest he is entering his prime. Meanwhile, Ekitike continues to establish himself as a reliable goal scorer.
Importantly, younger players like Doué, Cherki, and Thuram are rapidly developing. They not only possess individual brilliance but also take on key responsibilities within the system. This blend of youth and experience gives France a nearly complete attacking unit.
Midfield Concerns Remain, but Attack Could Be the Key
That said, there are still concerns in midfield. With N’Golo Kanté aging and the departures of Paul Pogba and Antoine Griezmann from the national setup, France’s midfield control is not as dominant as it was during their 2018 peak. This has raised questions about their overall balance heading into the World Cup.
However, recent performances suggest that France is compensating by strengthening their attacking output. A potent forward line can directly influence results while also easing the burden on the midfield.
Strong Contenders for the World Cup Title
Considering their squad depth and current form, France remain one of the leading contenders for the World Cup. Their attacking unit, in particular, stands out as one of the most complete in international football.
If the team can stay fit and maintain consistency in their attacking system, they have every chance of making another serious push for the title.
Based on current performances, this refreshed and evolving French side appears fully equipped to compete for the highest honors.
