Before the friendly match on March 29, 2026, expectations were high for both teams. France, coming off a recent match against Brazil, made significant changes to their lineup, while Colombia was looking to bounce back after a 2-1 loss to Croatia. The atmosphere at Northwest Stadium in Maryland was charged with anticipation.
The decisive moment came in the 29th minute when Désiré Doué scored the first goal for France. His low shot found the bottom corner after deflecting off Daniel Muñoz, surprising the Colombian defense. Just 12 minutes later, in the 41st minute, Marcus Thuram extended France’s lead with a well-placed header, marking his first goal for the national team since 2023.
Colombia managed to respond in the match, with Jaminton Campaz scoring their only goal in the 77th minute, but it was not enough to change the outcome. France ultimately secured a 3-1 victory, with Doué adding another goal in the 56th minute, showcasing his talent on the international stage.
The match was particularly notable as it was N’Golo Kante‘s 35th birthday, and he captained the French side. His leadership was evident as France dominated possession and created numerous scoring opportunities.
Despite the loss, Colombia’s performance showed promise, especially with Campaz’s goal, which was his first for the national team. The match featured several heated moments, reflecting the competitive spirit between the two teams.
Experts noted that France’s ability to adapt their lineup effectively after a previous match against Brazil was a key factor in their success. The depth of talent in the French squad, including stars like Kylian Mbappé and Olivier Giroud, was evident, even as Mbappé’s late goal was ruled out for offside.
In summary, the friendly match between France and Colombia highlighted the contrasting trajectories of the two teams. While France continues to build on its successes, Colombia will need to regroup and focus on their upcoming challenges in World Cup qualifying.