In what is their penultimate pre-World Cup showdown in midweek, European giants France will host fellow finalists the Ivory Coast on Thursday night.While Les Bleus might be in the midst of another dominant flurry, the two-time World Cup champions could face a potentially stern examination at the Stade de la Beaujoire in Nantes.Verdict: France winBest Odds: 4/11Bookmaker: BetUSFranceStarting with the hosts, suffering the most public of World Cup final heartbreak out in Qatar four years ago as they eventually relinquished their crown, France travel to North America this month with a huge amount of expectation on their shoulders. Breezing their way to a World Cup ticket last year and hardly having to get out of third gear during their qualifying romp, Didier Deschamps’ superstar squad hold a fearsome reputation from across the continent. Getting 2026 underway with a stellar 2-1 victory against South American giants Brazil, France are unbeaten in all of their previous eight appearances across all competitions (seven wins, one draw). Despite searching for some welcomed defensive steel, Les Bleus have continued to shine with their free-scoring performances in the final third.France Team NewsHelping fire PSG to consecutive Champions League crowns last week, it remains to be seen if reigning Ballon d’Or winner Ousmane Dembele will play any part here. However, only making a cameo appearance off the bench in Hungary, Warren Zaire-Emery will be hoping to get some valuable minutes under his belt.Despite announcing that he will be leaving Liverpool on a free transfer this summer, Ibrahima Konate should feature here. While Kylian Mbappe might shockingly still be waiting to get his hands on a first piece of silverware with Spanish icons Real Madrid, the French skipper will spearhead Deschamps’ attack.Ivory CoastAs for the visitors, despite watching their AFCON adventure come to a rollercoaster quarter-final end following a 3-2 loss against Egypt back in January, the African heavyweights have come roaring back in an eye-catching fashion. Last seen signing off March’s international break with a gritty 1-0 victory away at Scotland, Emerse Fae’s side have won four of their previous five matchups across all competitions. Relishing their trip to North America this month, the Elephants will open their World Cup adventure on June 15th when they meet Ecuador. However, despite dreaming off the chance to mount a genuine knockout stage charge this summer, the Ivory Coast did fall to a 2-1 defeat when they last travelled to France back in March 2022 and they will be bracing themselves for another monumental challenge in Nantes.Ivory Coast Team NewsEventually helping Nice avoid an infamous Ligue 1 relegation last weekend, Eintracht Frankfurt loanee Elye Wahi is set to make his first major tournament appearance this summer. Inter Milan’s Ange-Yoan Bonny has been included in the Ivory Coast’s squad for a first time and looks set to make his senior debut here.Now playing his domestic football with Saudi giants Al-Ahli, former Barcelona star Franck Kessie will lead out Fae’s side on Thursday night and earn a 103rd-cap in Nantes. Sunderland starlet Simon Adingra has been recalled by the Elephants after being omitted from their squad back in March.France vs Ivory Coast Key Factors to ConsiderWhen France and the Ivory Coast last met for a friendly showdown back in March 2022, Les Bleus collected a 2-1 victory on home soil.France are unbeaten in their previous eight appearances across all competitions (seven wins, one draw).Despite their AFCON quarter-final exit at the hands of Egypt back in January, the Ivory Coast have won their other four appearances across all competitions.French skipper Kylian Mbappe notched 42 goals in his 44 appearances for Real Madrid this season.All of France’s last seven appearances across all competitions have finished with over 2.5 goals.ConclusionGetting the final stint of their pre-World Cup preparations underway in Nantes, France will be looking to make an early summer statement on home soil. Continuing on a dominant flurry on either side of opening 2026, the European giants have also gained a reputation for their action-packed affairs. While the Ivory Coast might have their sights set on mounting a genuine World Cup knockout stage charge this summer, we are backing a home victory on Thursday night.Verdict: France winBest Odds: 4/11Bookmaker: BetUS The post Prediction: France vs Ivory Coast appeared first on SoccerNews.