Last tests before the start of the event in the USA, Mexico and Canada. Mbappè and his teammates were defeated by Kessie’s national team, the Iberians held back surprisingly. Sweden draws against Greece, Iran scores 2 against Mali
France collapses, Spain disappoints. Two of the super favorites to win the 2026 World Cup which is about to begin between the USA, Mexico and Canada fail in the penultimate test.
deschamps knockout
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Les Bleus were surprised and overtaken by Ivory Coast, another participant in the World Cup: Cherki’s lead at the end of the first half was countered by Elefanti with goals in the second half from Guela Doue and former Atalanta player Diallo. Only Mbappè and Theo Hernandez were on the pitch in the first half, with Rabiot taking over with just over 20′ to go. Spain also did badly, not going beyond a 1-1 draw with Iraq (another World Cup qualifier): after Ferran Torres’ goal in the 16th minute, Doski responded in the 27th minute. In the second half the teams were overwhelmed by substitutions, but the result remained 1-1. Not even Sweden was enthusiastic, 2-2 against Greece (Gyokeres and Nilsson scored), while Iran won, 2-0 against Mali (Ezatolahi and Rezaeian scored). A few hours earlier they had also won South Korea, 1-0 against El Salvador and Panama, 4-2 against the Dominican Republic.