Didier Deschamps is preparing significant changes for France’s friendly match against Colombia on Sunday, potentially handing Crystal Palace defender Maxence Lacroix his first full senior international debut.
An injury to Arsenal centre-back William Saliba opened the door for Lacroix’s maiden senior call-up this month. He made a substitute appearance during Thursday’s 2-1 win over Brazil, entering after Bayern Munich’s Dayot Upamecano received a red card.
Colombia vs France Friendly Looms Large
Deschamps Hints at Major Lineup Overhaul
Upamecano has departed France’s national team camp in the United States. Deschamps suggested that midweek starters like Michael Olise and Kylian Mbappé could start on the bench at Northwest Stadium in Maryland.
“I’m going to make a lot of changes, maybe even 11. That’s what I had planned, I want to see the players,” Deschamps stated.
Alongside Lacroix, other Premier League talents such as Rayan Cherki of Manchester City and Tottenham forward Randal Kolo Muani may see action against Colombia.
Water Breaks Frustrate Deschamps After Brazil Victory
Water breaks are anticipated again in the friendly. Deschamps voiced frustration with the interruptions following goals from Mbappé and Hugo Ekitike that secured the win over Brazil at Gillette Stadium.
At a news conference, Deschamps remarked: “It’s good for you, the broadcaster, to have the commercial break, but having those three minutes changes the game. No matter the team, if they’re on a roll, three minutes ruins everything.”
France vs Colombia: Head-to-Head and Recent Form
This marks the first encounter between France and Colombia since a 2018 friendly, where the South American side prevailed 3-2.
Colombia fell 2-1 to Croatia on Thursday, snapping a remarkable 15-year unbeaten streak in 90-minute games against European nations.
Despite Deschamps’ planned rotations, Colombia’s Nestor Lorenzo intends to field former Real Madrid and Bayern Munich playmaker James Rodríguez.
James, who enjoyed a productive year at Everton in England, joined Minnesota at the start of 2026 but has faced limited minutes.
“I know he needs more playing time,” Lorenzo noted. “I know he’s been working hard physically and is ready to play the number of minutes he did. He played well.”
World Cup Preparations in Focus
Colombia shares Group K with Portugal and Uzbekistan at the summer World Cup.
Lorenzo views this window as key for ramping up preparations on American soil, praising recent opponents Croatia and France as ideal tests.
“Facing the teams that reached the finals in the last two World Cups was important,” Lorenzo said. “I’m happy with the work we did against Croatia. I think we rose to the occasion, even though we’re disappointed not to have won. In some situations, we played well.”
For live updates, scores, and the latest Resultados Futbol Hoy from international friendlies and more, check out Resultados Futbol Hoy.