Soccer
Didier Deschamps has confirmed that both Ousmane Dembele and Desire Doue are likely to start in France’s final game before the World Cup against Northern Ireland.
France conclude their preparations for the World Cup on Monday at Stade Pierre-Mauroy, with Les Bleus hoping to bounce back from their 2-1 defeat to Ivory Coast.
That loss ended a nine-game unbeaten run for France, and only on three occasions have they lost successive matches under Deschamps, which last came in September 2024.
Both Dembele and Doue were unused substitutes in that match for France after they were involved in Paris Saint-Germain’s Champions League triumph over Arsenal.
However, Deschamps confirmed the pair would start if they are available, with the France boss aiming to get a better feel for who will be in his starting team at the World Cup.
“Yes, but there are others here. He [Doue] is a very young player who has just celebrated his 21st birthday. He is decisive with his club, with us too,” Deschamps told reporters.
“He has the versatility, although I think he’s more comfortable on one side.
“This ability to eliminate, dribble and make a difference, with a high volume of play, which is not always the case for an attacking player. It gives us an extra quality player.
“If they [Doue and Dembele] are available, they are ready to start, yes.”
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— Equipe de France (@equipedefrance) June 7, 2026
Deschamps said after the defeat to Ivory Coast that the result could prove useful if it prevented his players from becoming complacent before the tournament begins.
The likes of Michael Olise and Rayan Cherki were both given the chance to shine from the off, with the latter putting France ahead with a fine finish in the 45th minute.
France made 10 changes in that match, with Maghnes Akliouche, Jean-Philippe Mateta and Manu Kone all getting minutes, though Deschamps revealed he would not be making as many substitutions for the visit of Michael O’Neill’s side.
“I have the possibility to make changes, as it’s a preparation match,” Deschamps added.
“But I’m not going to make five at half-time like in the last game, because the objectives are a little different. But I will make changes, obviously, to manage certain players.”
France have played more games against Northern Ireland without ever losing than any other team, winning five of their eight previous matches (D3).
Northern Ireland have also only won one of their last 11 matches away from home in all competitions (D3 L7), while conceding 23 goals during that period (2.1 per game).
But Deschamps was wary of the threat they possess, saying: “In this Ireland team, there are a lot of good players who play in England, with young players too.
“They have a lot of verticality in their game. It’s obviously important for us to finish our preparation with a win.
“I thank Northern Ireland for accepting because between the teams who wanted to play in the United States or at home and those who didn’t want to play against us.”
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