7M - International Friendly Preview: Colombia vs France - prediction team news lineups

Colombia and France meet at Estadio Cicero Pompeu de Toledo on Sunday March 29 2026 in a World Cup preparation friendly that offers both sides valuable insights ahead of the summer tournament in the United States Canada and Mexico.

Recent Form And Tactical Outlook

France arrive in Washington DC riding an eight match unbeaten run including seven victories since their Nations League semi final defeat to Spain. Les Bleus most recently edged Brazil in Massachusetts with Kylian Mbappe scoring a delicate lobbed finish to move within one goal of Olivier Girouds national record before Hugo Ekitike added a second. Despite Dayot Upamecanos dismissal the European side held on for a narrow win showcasing resilience under pressure.

Colombia meanwhile saw their impressive twelve month unbeaten streak end with a 2-1 loss to Croatia in Orlando. Jhon Arias opened the scoring but two first half concessions proved costly. Still Los Cafeteros finished third in CONMEBOL qualifying and remain ranked 14th by FIFA with attacking threats Luis Diaz and Luis Suarez in strong form. Suarez netted four against Venezuela in their final qualifier and has continued his scoring run with Sporting Lisbon.

Squad News And Selection Pressure

France manager Didier Deschamps faces selection dilemmas with several key players unavailable including Manu Kone Jules Kounde and Bradley Barcola. Maxence Lacroix has deputized for William Saliba while Ekitike impressed against Brazil. With squad spots for the World Cup still at stake fringe players like Pierre Kalulu Rayan Cherki and N Golo Kante could see minutes as Deschamps refines his final roster.

Colombia captain James Rodriguez is set for his 124th international appearance moving closer to David Ospinas record. Defender Yerry Mina and striker Jhon Duran miss the US tour through injury but Nestor Lorenzos side retain considerable attacking quality through Diaz and Suarez.

Possible Starting XIs

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

Prediction: Colombia 1-2 France

While Colombia have shown consistency over the past year France possess greater depth and experience at the highest level. Even with potential rotation Les Bleus should have enough quality to edge a competitive encounter.