France conclude their US tour with a friendly against Colombia at Northwest Stadium on Sunday, as both nations continue preparations for the upcoming World Cup.
Les Bleus arrive in strong form after a 2-1 win over Brazil, extending their unbeaten run to eight matches. Didier Deschamps’ side have built momentum since their Nations League setback against Spain and look well-placed heading into the summer tournament.
Kylian Mbappe opened the scoring against Brazil and continues to close in on Olivier Giroud’s all-time France scoring record, while Hugo Ekitike also impressed in attack.
Colombia, meanwhile, saw a year-long unbeaten run come to an end with defeat to Croatia. Despite that setback, they remain a dangerous side, having finished strongly in CONMEBOL qualifying and boasting significant attacking quality.
Team news for Colombia v France
France are without several key players, including Jules Kounde and Bradley Barcola, but their squad depth remains a major strength.
Ekitike is pushing for another start after scoring against Brazil, while players such as Rayan Cherki and N’Golo Kante could come into the side if Deschamps rotates.
Colombia will look to experienced figures like James Rodriguez, who is nearing a national appearance milestone, to guide the team.
Luis Diaz remains a key attacking outlet, while Luis Suarez is expected to lead the line after strong recent form at club level.
Expected line-ups for Colombia vs France
Colombia: Vargas; Munoz, Sanchez, Lucumi, Cabal; Lerma, Rios; J. Arias, Rodriguez, Diaz; Suarez
France: Maignan; Kalulu, Konate, Lacroix, Digne; Kante, Rabiot; Olise, Cherki, Ekitike; Mbappe
Where to watch France v Colombia: TV channel, live stream
The match will be available to watch live in the UK on ITV, with coverage also accessible via the ITV Player
Kick-off is scheduled for 8:00pm GMT on Sunday.
The stats for Colombia v France
- France are unbeaten in their last eight matches
- Les Bleus have won seven of their last eight games
- Colombia had been unbeaten for 12 months before their defeat to Croatia
- Colombia have won three of their last five matches
- Both teams have two wins each from their previous four meetings
Prediction for Colombia v France
France’s depth should be the key here, even with rotation, against a Colombia side adjusting after their first defeat in over a year.
