Ivory Coast beat France 2-1 in Nantes – Amad scores late

France's streak ends

With the defeat, France's streak of nine consecutive unbeaten games came to an end. The Équipe Tricolore, who won the World Cup title in 1998 and 2018, are seeded in Group I and will face Norway, Senegal, and Iraq. Another test match against Northern Ireland is scheduled for Monday in Lille.

Concurrently, Spain, the reigning European champions, drew 1-1 with Iraq in La Coruña. Ferran Torres gave the Iberians the lead in the 16th minute, and Merchas Doski equalized for the visitors in the 27th minute. Spain's national coach Luis de la Fuente had to do without several key players such as Lamine Yamal, Pedri, Rodri, Nico Williams, and Marc Cucurella.

Spain only draws against Iraq

The match against Iraq was Spain's last World Cup preparation match on home soil. On Monday, the Spanish team will face Peru in Puebla, Mexico. Spain, World champions in 2010 and European champions in 2024, are seeded in World Cup Group H, where Cape Verde, Saudi Arabia, and Uruguay await. For Cape Verde, it is their first-ever World Cup participation.

In Solna near Stockholm, Sweden and Greece drew 2-2. For the Scandinavians, the match was their farewell to their home fans before the World Cup. Meanwhile, Yan Diomande of RB Leipzig made headlines in the Bundesliga as the newcomer of the season.

Significance for Germany's Group

Observers saw the Ivory Coast's success as a warning signal to the established nations, even though it was a test match. The team showed a mature performance, especially in the second half, against an opponent that has regularly been among the title favorites in the past.

The result is also likely to change the perception of Germany's group: Germany will face the Ivory Coast in the preliminary round, who have gained confidence after their coup in Nantes. For coach Julian Nagelsmann's team, the World Cup finals will therefore begin against an opponent who has proven their quality against top-tier competition.