Both teams saw red in first-half stoppage-time as Portugal ran out 2-1 winners at Estadio Nacional, with Goncalo Guedes and Bruno Fernandes getting on the scoresheet for the home side.

Rafael Leao was sent off just before the break for violent conduct, with Chile's Ivan Roman also shown a red card in the same altercation as tempers flared in Lisbon.

Nevertheless, Portugal came out on top when it was 10 against 10; Martinez's side are now unbeaten in all three of their warm-up games, defeating the United States 2-0 after a goalless draw with Mexico.

Portugal begin their World Cup campaign against DR Congo on June 17, before also facing Uzbekistan and Colombia in the group stage.

Martinez believes their experience of playing with 10 men could help when facing South American countries, such as Colombia.

"I liked many things," said Martinez after the win over Chile.

𝗝𝗨𝗡𝗧𝗢𝗦. #VaiDarPortugal | #FIFAWorldCup pic.twitter.com/GhhddDlmo3

— Portugal (@selecaoportugal) June 6, 2026

"First, as we discussed earlier, in the World Cup we have to be prepared for surprises. The red card forced us to play with ten men against ten, with more space and more duels.

"It's very good that it happened now, because South American teams are used to that kind of thing. We're going to face Colombia, and it could happen.

"There were some very good aspects and others that weren't so good.

"Overall, what we showed as a team, we're starting to gel, and we won a match despite the surprise of playing with ten men in the second half."

The post Portugal’s 10-man win over Chile good preparation for World Cup, says Martinez appeared first on SoccerNews.

The England captain's deft header in first-half stoppage time was enough to earn the win in Tampa, where the hot conditions affected the pace of the game.

New Zealand are the 35th different opponent that Kane has scored against for England, with this seven more than the player with the next most teams scored against (Wayne Rooney – 28).

Kane also became the fourth player to score 10+ goals for England against non-European opposition after Gary Lineker (18), Michael Owen (13) and Bobby Charlton (10).

Kane has scored in 62% of England's games under Thomas Tuchel (8/13); of those with at least two matches in charge of the Three Lions, this is the highest percentage of a manager's games that a player has netted in.

England face Costa Rica in one last friendly before their World Cup opener against Croatia on June 17, and Kane is feeling confident heading into the tournament.

"I think physically, mentally, it's the best shape I have been in my career," Kane told ITV Sport.

10 – Thomas Tuchel picked up his 10th win as @England manager tonight, in his 13th match in charge.

Only Glenn Hoddle (12) needed fewer games to reach double figures for victories with the Three Lions (Fabio Capello and Walter Winterbottom also 13).

Steadying. pic.twitter.com/qkymFQwBMI

— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) June 6, 2026

"We're going into a tough environment, a tough tournament, I'm excited for it. The World Cup is the biggest tournament of all and I'm looking forward to it getting started really."

And on the win over New Zealand, Kane added: "Yeah a good win, it's not easy. The heat is hard, the pitch wasn't great to be honest really hard to play the way that we want to play.

"But this is why we are here, to adapt to it. In the end we probably could've scored a couple more we know we are here more for preparation than the result.

"The drinks breaks help. A lot of people are talking about the heat but I don't think it's going to be as big a factor as what some people say.

"Me personally and a few of of the boys who have been training for a while in it felt fine today. We're all athletes, we're all professionals and have played in warm weather conditions before."

The post Kane: I’m in the best shape of my career appeared first on SoccerNews.

Craig Bellamy's side were beaten in Bucharest, where the hosts prevailed in Gheorghi Hagi's first match in charge.

Romania broke through the deadlock through Florinel Coman's neat finish from a Darius Olaru cutback in the 52nd minute, but Brooks equalised 11 minutes later when he swept home a volley from Daniel James' centre.

However, the hosts increased the pressure later on and snatched victory four minutes from time, as Adrian Rus headed home from David Matei's cross.

FT |2-1

Defeat in Bucharest.

https://t.co/pTHPpVq16e pic.twitter.com/ox6XG9Vlvn

— Wales (@Cymru) June 6, 2026

Wales have now failed to keep a clean sheet in any of their last nine matches under Bellamy, who is the first Dragons boss not to win any of his first five friendlies in charge (D2 L3) since Mike Smith in 1977.

That was despite 20 shots on goal and over 57% of possession, and Brooks concedes improvement is required before Wales' Nations League campaign launches in September.

"We were not good enough, not at all," he told Match of the Day Wales. "We need to watch it back and try and take some positives out of it.

"We kept the ball quite nicely, but we lacked penetrating passes. We played in the wrong areas.

"We need to be miles better in the Nations League and in the next camp."

The post Wales ‘not good enough at all’ in Romania defeat, says goalscorer Brooks appeared first on SoccerNews.

It is a summer of change at Liverpool, who have already had a switch in management, with Andoni Iraola replacing Arne Slot following the latter's dismissal.

The Reds have also said goodbye to long-standing servants Mohamed Salah, Andy Robertson and Ibrahima Konate.

Questions were also raised over Alisson's future towards the end of the campaign, with Juventus reportedly interested in his signature.

Having been sidelined at the end of the season, Alisson returned for Liverpool's final-day draw against Brentford in the Premier League, though Chiesa does not believe that was the last match the goalkeeper will play at Anfield.

"From what I hear, he's staying in England," Chiesa told Gazzetta dello Sport, via The Athletic, about Alisson.

"Then let's see. We're talking about one of the top five goalkeepers on the planet.

"He's a fantastic leader. He's won everything and makes the difference on the pitch and in the dressing room."

 

 

 

 

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Another Liverpool player who has been linked with a move to Italy is Curtis Jones, with Serie A champions Inter the favourites to sign him if he leaves.

Jones came through the Reds' academy and has made 228 appearances for the senior team in all competitions, with his 49 games played in 2025-26 his most in a single season for the club.

"All he [Jones] asked me was what life is like in Italy," he added.

"I told him it's great, and the weather is better than in Liverpool, which, other than that, is a special place.

"Jones, technically, is a really good player. Inter do well to think about signing him."

The post Alisson expected to stay at Liverpool amid Juventus links, claims Chiesa appeared first on SoccerNews.

With all eyes now falling on North America, there are plenty of intriguing betting promotions and bonuses available this summer.

Verdict: Rayan Cherki over 0.5 shots on target

Best Odds: 4/7

Bookmaker: 1xBet

France

Starting with the hosts, while France might arrive in North America next week widely regarded as a standout contender to get their hands on a third World Cup crown, the European giants are desperately searching for an immediate response here. Getting the final stint of their pre-World Cup preparations underway with a shock 2-1 loss at home against the Ivory Coast, Didier Deschamps’ superstar squad will have a huge amount of expectation on their shoulders when when they arrive in Lille on Monday night. Despite once again being installed as a landslide favourite at the Stade Pierre-Mauroy, France know the importance of finding some crucial defensive grit. Despite opening 2026 with a stellar 2-1 victory against South American icons Brazil, Les Blues have mustered just a single clean sheet from any of their previous six appearances across all competitions.

France Team News

Facing a speedy turnaround following Thursday’s shock 2-1 loss against the Ivory Coast in Paris, Deschamps is expected to make a raft of alterations here. Left as an unused substitute in the French capital a few days ago, reigning Ballon d’Or winner Ousmane Dembele will certainly get some minutes under his belt.

Bagging what turned out to be a consolation first-half strike on Thursday and enjoying a breakout maiden campaign with Manchester City, Rayan Cherki will be hoping to keep his spot from the start. Set to lead Les Bleus out in North America this summer, Real Madrid superstar Kylian Mbappe will earn a 98th international cap.

Northern Ireland

As for the visitors, watching their World Cup qualifying adventure come to a routine end back in March as they eventually fell to a 2-0 loss away at Italy, Northern Ireland have largely come crashing back down to earth since their eye-catching Nations League flurry two years ago. Just about dragging themselves to a hard-fought 1-0 victory at home against Guinea on Thursday night, Michael O’Neill’s side are desperately searching for some stability. While the Greens might be relishing a famous trip to Lille on Monday, Northern Ireland have gained an unwanted reputation for their glaring issues on the road. In fact, O’Neill’s camp have mustered just a sole win from any of their last 11 consecutive matchups outside of Belfast.

Northern Ireland Team News

Wearing the armband and leading Northern Ireland out for their 1-0 victory against Guinea on Thursday night, Southampton starlet Shea Adams will earn a 33rd international cap here. Crystal Palace youngster Justin Devenny should once again be deployed in a left-wing back role.

Shown a dramatic second-half red card after bagging what turned out to be the winner in Belfast, 19-year-old Tom Atcheson won’t play any part. Only making a late cameo appearance off the bench a few days ago, veteran striker Josh Magennis could be handed a full recall and the chance to lead the line.

France vs Northern Ireland Key Factors to Consider

• Monday’s showdown in Lille will be the first meeting between France and Northern Ireland since way back in 1999.
• Hit with a shock 2-1 loss against the Ivory Coast in Paris on Thursday, France have registered just a sole clean sheet from their previous six appearances across all competitions.
• That 2-1 defeat in Paris is the first home loss that France have suffered since back in September 2024.
• Northern Ireland have recorded just a sole win from any of their previous 11 appearances outside of Belfast across all formats.
• Kylian Mbappe registered 48 goals across all competitions for Spanish icons Real Madrid during the 2025/26 campaign.

Conclusion

Suffering a first defeat in front of their own supporters on Thursday night as they slumped to a shock 2-1 loss against the Ivory Coast in Paris, France will have a huge amount of pressure on their shoulders here. Knowing the importance of claiming an immediate response before they jet off to North America, the two-time world champions will be hoping to make an early summer statement on Monday. With Northern Ireland remarkably mustering just a sole win from any of their previous 11 straight showdowns outside of Belfast, it is no surprise that the Greens are installed as a landslide underdog in Lille.

Verdict: Rayan Cherki over 0.5 shots on target

Best Odds: 4/7

Bookmaker: 1xBet

The post Prediction: France vs Northern Ireland appeared first on SoccerNews.

With all eyes falling on North America for the 2026 World Cup, you can stay on top of all the standout betting promotions and bonuses that available.

Competition: Spanish Segunda

Market: Both teams to score

Odds: 19/20 @ 1xBet

Starting with the hosts, losing their La Liga status last season, it is no secret that Las Palmas have their sights firmly fixed on securing an immediate top-flight return over the next fortnight. Signing off their regular-season adventure with a stellar 2-1 victory away at Deportivo La Coruna, Luis Garcia’s side have certainly hit top gear at a crucial time of the season. Including another 2-1 win against fellow play-off semi-finalists Almeria on May 16th, the Canaries will know the importance of claiming a crucial first-leg advantage on Sunday night. In fact, along with registering seven points from their final three Segunda appearances, Las Palmas have also suffered just a pair of defeat from any of their last 10 outings. It should also be highlighted, Garcia’s squad have also gained quite the reputation for their extended dominance on home soil. On what has been a remarkable run of form, the Yellows registered 19 points from their final seven showdowns in front of their own supporters.

As for the visitors, spending the majority of last season looking over their shoulder at a looming relegation scrap, Malaga have firmly underlined their status as one of the Segundo’s ultimate surprise packages this time around. Signing off their regular-season adventure with a rugged 2-0 victory away at Real Zaragoza, Juan Francisco Funes’ side have rightfully received plenty of plaudits. Laying down a real play-off marker on May 16th as they stormed their way to a dominant 4-1 win away at Ceuta, Los Albicelestes registered 13 points from their final five Segunda appearances. Getting May underway with an action-packed 4-2 victory against Eibar, Sunday’s guests have also gained a reputation for their lively outcomes. Signing off April with consecutive 3-2 losses against Castellon and Almeria, Funes’ side have recorded just a sole clean sheet over the past two months. It should also be noted, Malaga have won their last three straight matchups on the road by an aggregate score of 10-3.

Bet: Both teams to score at Las Palmas vs Malaga 19/20 for Sunday’s Segunda play-off battle @ 1xBet

The post Bitesize Prediction: Las Palmas vs Malaga – 07/06/26 appeared first on SoccerNews.

However, with plenty of Sunday drama to tide us over, we have plenty of eye-catching battles from across the globe.

For those of you looking to stick on a weekend accumulator, we have taken an in-depth dive into some of Sunday’s most attractive betting markets.

Saturday, June 7th

BST 19:45 Croatia vs Slovenia 

While Croatia might have embarked on an astonishing World Cup qualifying campaign last year as they registered 22 points from their eight Group L appearances, the Blazers are searching for a crucial boost this weekend.

Getting the final stint of their pre-World Cup preparations underway with a routine 2-0 loss at home against Belgium, Zlatko Dalic’s side have suffered back-to-back friendly defeats.

Signing off March’s international break with a 3-1 loss at the hands of South American giants Brazil, Croatia have also shown some concerning defensive issues on either side of opening the New Year.

Set to get their World Cup adventure underway on June 17th when they meet England, Dalic’s men will be desperate to avoid a potential banana skin in Varazdin on Sunday night.

However, it is worth noting, the former World Cup finalists have suffered just a sole defeat in front of their own supporters since way back in October 2023.

Although Slovenia might have got their respective World Cup qualifying adventure underway last year with their sights set on mounting a genuine charge to North America, Bostjan Cesar’s side endured a public struggle.

Rightfully coming under a huge amount of scrutiny as they remarkably failed to claim a single win from any of their six Group B appearances (two defeats, four draws), the Whites have continued to show some glaring issues on either side of opening 2026.

Missing out on what they had billed as a golden opportunity earlier in the week as they eventually had to settle for a downbeat 1-1 stalemate at home against Cyprus, Slovenia have clinched just a sole win across any competition over the past 12 months.

Likewise, falling to a routine 3-0 drumming when they last travelled to Zagreb back in September 2021, we are expecting a similar outcome this weekend.

Betting Tip: Croatia win @ 2/5 with 1xBet

20:00 Las Palmas vs Malaga

Losing their La Liga status last season, it is no secret that Las Palmas have their sights firmly fixed on securing an immediate top-flight return over the next fortnight.

Signing off their regular-season adventure with a stellar 2-1 victory away at Deportivo La Coruna, Luis Garcia’s side have certainly hit top gear at a crucial time of the season.

Including another 2-1 win against fellow play-off semi-finalists Almeria on May 16th, the Canaries will know the importance of claiming a crucial first-leg advantage on Sunday night.

In fact, along with registering seven points from their final three Segunda appearances, Las Palmas have also suffered just a pair of defeat from any of their last 10 outings. It’s also worth noting, Garcia’s squad have also gained quite the reputation for their extended dominance on home soil.

On what has been a remarkable run of form, the Yellows registered 19 points from their final seven showdowns in front of their own supporters.

Spending the majority of last season looking over their shoulder at a looming relegation scrap, Malaga have firmly underlined their status as one of the Segundo’s ultimate surprise packages this time around.

Signing off their regular-season adventure with a rugged 2-0 victory away at Real Zaragoza, Juan Francisco Funes’ side have rightfully received plenty of plaudits.

Laying down a real play-off marker on May 16th as they stormed their way to a dominant 4-1 win away at Ceuta, Los Albicelestes registered 13 points from their final five Segunda appearances.

Getting May underway with an action-packed 4-2 victory against Eibar, Sunday’s guests have also gained a reputation for their lively outcomes. Signing off April with consecutive 3-2 losses against Castellon and Almeria, Funes’ side have recorded just a sole clean sheet over the past two months.

It should also be noted, Malaga have won their last three straight matchups on the road by an aggregate score of 10-3.

Betting Tip: Both teams to score @ 19/20 with BetUS

23:00 Ecuador vs Guatemala 

Never making it past the Round of 16 in their World Cup history, Ecuador open proceedings this month with their sights set on shattering plenty of records in North America.

Last seen picking up some ideal momentum as they secured a 2-1 victory against Saudi Arabia, Sebastian Beccacece’s side have gained a reputation for their largely rugged approach.

Signing off 2025 with a 2-0 win against New Zealand, the former Elche boss has not seen his squad are unbeaten in all of their previous 18 straight appearances across all competitions – a run that stems all the way back to a 1-0 victory against South American icons Brazil in September 2024.

Officially getting their World Cup charge underway on June 15th when they meet the Ivory Coast in Philadelphia, Ecuador will also be excited by their defensive grit.

In fact, La Tricolor have not conceded more than a single strike across any format over the past two years.

Suffering major World Cup qualifying heartbreak last year as they missed out on the chance to make a famous maiden appearance on the grandest of stages, Guatemala are suddenly at the heart of a public crisis.

Last seen earlier in the week falling to a routine 3-1 loss against the Czech Republic, Luis Fernando Tena’s side should be bracing themselves for another monumental challenge when they travel to Ohio on Sunday.

Signing off March’s international break with a woeful 7-0 drumming at the hands of Algeria, the Chapines have lost their last three consecutive appearances by an aggregate score of 11-1.

Showing some glaring defensive issues since opening up 2026, Guatemala are rightfully installed as a major underdog here.

It should also be highlighted, Tena’s side have lost each of their three historic meetings against Ecuador by a 2-0 scoreline.

Betting Tip: Ecuador win to nil @ 19/20 with BetUS

Our Sunday Accumulator:

• Croatia vs Slovenia – Croatia win @ 2/5
• Las Palmas vs Malaga – Both teams to score @ 19/20
• Ecuador vs Guatemala – Ecuador win to nil @ 19/20

Place a £10 bet on our accumulator with 1xBet and pocket £53.24 if all predictions are correct.

You can also visit our betting promotions section for the latest enhanced odds promos, accumulator bonuses and more.

The post June 7th: Sunday’s Football Accumulator – 4/1 Special, Betting Tips & Analysis appeared first on SoccerNews.

The Azzurri, who are set to miss a third successive World Cup, will play their final match of the season at the Pankritio Stadium on Sunday.

Under-21s coach Baldini, temporarily in charge while the search continues for Gennaro Gattuso's successor, handed out 15 seniors debuts during Wednesday's 1-0 win over Luxembourg.

Italy fielded their youngest starting XI – with an average age of 21 years and 354 days – since their friendly against Austria back in December 1912 (21 years and 308 days).

Francesco Pio Esposito scored the winner with his fourth international goal, becoming only the third Azzurri player to net more than three times before turning 21, after Giuseppe Meazza (11) and Gianni Rivera (five).

pic.twitter.com/8t2BRXYJCu

— Italy(@Azzurri_En) June 6, 2026

And Baldini is likely to shake things up again for the four-time world champions' visit to Greece.

"I expect to see the same things we saw in Luxembourg," he told Sky Sport Italia. "Even if the opponents are of a different level this time around.

"I would like the lads to start the game relaxed, ready to prove their freedom.

"It doesn't mean that they are not present in the match, but able to bring out all the technical quality at the disposal of the Italy side."

The post Baldini wants Italy ‘ready to prove their freedom’ against Greece appeared first on SoccerNews.

The Atlas Lions are looking to complete their preparation schedule with another positive result, while Norway arrive in the United States with one of the most exciting attacking groups at the tournament.

Verdict: Both teams to score
Best odds: 4-6
Bookmaker: 1xbet

Morocco

Morocco enters this friendly in excellent form after two dominant warm-up victories. They beat Burundi 5-0 in late May before easing past Madagascar 4-0 earlier this week, giving Mohamed Ouahbi’s side a strong platform before the tournament.

The Atlas Lions have been one of Africa’s most consistent national teams in recent years, and they arrive at the World Cup with plenty of players who were part of the historic run to the semifinals in Qatar. The core of the team still looks strong, especially with Yassine Bounou, Achraf Hakimi, Noussair Mazraoui, Sofyan Amrabat, Azzedine Ounahi and Brahim Diaz all available.

This match should be Morocco’s most serious test of the June window. Burundi and Madagascar were useful preparation opponents, but Norway bring far greater attacking quality, especially through Erling Haaland, Martin Odegaard, Alexander Sorloth and Antonio Nusa.

Morocco should still back themselves to cause Norway problems. Brahim Diaz is one of the most important players for Morocco, and they will certainly try to utilize their right attacking side with Hakimi, one of the most dangerous attacking full-backs in world football. Ayoub El Kaabi and Soufiane Rahimi will try to convert the chances these two players create, with their movement in the final third.

Morocco Team News

Yassine Bounou, Munir Mohamedi and Ahmed Tagnaouti are the goalkeeping options in Morocco’s final World Cup squad. Bounou remains the most established option and could start here if Ouahbi wants his strongest XI to get rhythm before the tournament.

In defence, Morocco can call on Achraf Hakimi, Noussair Mazraoui, Nayef Aguerd, Chadi Riad, Issa Diop, Redouane Halhal, Zakaria El Ouahdi, Anass Salah-Eddine and Youssef Belammari. Hakimi and Mazraoui give the Atlas Lions serious quality in wide defensive areas, while Aguerd’s inclusion is important despite his recent lack of match rhythm.

The midfield group includes Sofyan Amrabat, Azzedine Ounahi, Bilal El Khannouss, Ismael Saibari, Neil El Aynaoui, Ayyoub Bouaddi and Samir El Mourabet. Saibari comes into this match with confidence after scoring twice against Madagascar.

Further forward, Brahim Diaz, Ayoub El Kaabi, Abdessamad Ezzalzouli, Soufiane Rahimi, Chemsdine Talbi, Yassine Gessime and Ayoub Amaimouni-Echghouyabe are available. Youssef En-Nesyri has been left out of the squad, so El Kaabi and Rahimi could be important central attacking options.

Norway

Norway arrive in New Jersey with high expectations and a squad that can trouble almost any opponent. Stale Solbakken’s side is preparing for their first World Cup appearance since 1998, and the attacking quality in this group makes them one of the more interesting teams heading into the tournament.

The biggest reason for optimism is clear. Erling Haaland gives Norway elite finishing power, while Martin Odegaard gives them the creative link between midfield and attack. Add Alexander Sorloth, Antonio Nusa, Oscar Bobb, Andreas Schjelderup and Jorgen Strand Larsen, and Norway have more attacking depth than they have had for many years.

Norway also warmed up well earlier this week, beating Sweden 3-1 in Oslo. That result should give them confidence, especially because Haaland was not needed from the start, showing that Solbakken has more than one route to goal.

The concern remains at the other end. Norway’s forward line looks dangerous, but their defensive structure has not always looked as convincing as their attacking play. Against Morocco, they will need to defend wide areas carefully, especially when Hakimi and Mazraoui advance from full-back positions.

Norway Team News

Orjan Haskjold Nyland, Egil Selvik and Sander Tangvik are Norway’s goalkeeping options. Nyland is the experienced choice and is expected to remain the leading candidate between the sticks.

In defence, Solbakken can call on Julian Ryerson, Marcus Holmgren Pedersen, David Moller Wolfe, Fredrik Bjorkan, Kristoffer Ajer, Torbjorn Heggem, Leo Skiri Ostigard, Sondre Langas and Henrik Falchener. Ryerson and Ajer should be important if Norway want to contain Morocco’s wide threat.

The midfield is led by Martin Odegaard, with Sander Berge, Fredrik Aursnes, Patrick Berg, Kristian Thorstvedt, Morten Thorsby and Thelo Aasgaard also in the squad. Odegaard’s ability to connect with Haaland and the wide forwards will be central to Norway’s attacking plan.

Further forward, Erling Haaland is the main danger, while Alexander Sorloth, Jorgen Strand Larsen, Antonio Nusa, Oscar Bobb, Andreas Schjelderup and Jens Petter Hauge give Solbakken plenty of options. Norway may manage minutes before the World Cup, but they still have enough firepower to score against strong opposition.

Morocco vs Norway Key Factors to Consider

• Morocco has won their last two warm-up matches by a combined 9-0 scoreline.
• Norway beat Sweden 3-1 in their previous friendly, with Jorgen Strand Larsen scoring twice and Antonio Nusa also finding the net.
• This will be the first meeting between Morocco and Norway since their 2-2 draw at the 1998 World Cup.
• Morocco has kept their defensive core from recent tournament success, with Yassine Bounou, Achraf Hakimi, Noussair Mazraoui and Nayef Aguerd all in the squad.
• Norway have one of the strongest attacking groups at the World Cup, led by Erling Haaland, Martin Odegaard and Alexander Sorloth.

Conclusion

Morocco has looked sharp in their preparation matches and should enter this game with confidence. They didn’t concede a single goal in their last two matches, but Burundi and Madagascar are not an attacking threat as Norway, not even remotely.

Haaland and Odegaard give Solbakken’s side world-class quality in the most important attacking zones, while Sorloth, Nusa, Bobb and Strand Larsen make the visitors difficult to contain even if changes are made.

This should be a useful final test for both sides before the World Cup. Morocco has enough quality and form to score, but Norway’s attacking power should allow them to score as well. With both teams likely to take this match seriously but still protect players before the tournament, both teams to score looks like the safest angle.

Verdict: Both teams to score
Best odds: 4/6
Bookmaker: 1xbet

The post Prediction: Morocco vs Norway appeared first on SoccerNews.

France have reached the final in each of the last two World Cups, winning the competition in 2018 before losing to Argentina on penalties in 2022.

France will be making their 17th World Cup appearance – it also marks their eighth consecutive participation, the longest uninterrupted run in their history.

They have won the tournament twice, in 1998 and 2018 and are the last team to win the World Cup as hosts.

Didier Deschamps' side have been given a 13% chance of winning the competition in North America by the Opta supercomputer, the second-highest behind European champions Spain at 16.1%.

France also boast plenty of attacking talent in their squad, with the likes of Kylian Mbappe, Ousmane Dembele, Michael Olise and Desire Doue set for big roles.

Digne does see France as one of the favourites, but believes there is still work to do ahead of the tournament.

"Honestly, there are a lot of strong teams: Argentina, Spain, and so on. We have a very good team too," Digne told RMC Sport.

Dans les coulisses de la photo collective  pic.twitter.com/w1JSMSwg0M

— Equipe de France  (@equipedefrance) June 6, 2026

"I think it will come down to the details, and then it's up to us to show during the competition that we can be relied upon.

"When you start a competition, you want to win it, that's for sure. With the team we have, we're going to do everything we can to go as far as possible.

"It's true we have a very good attack, everyone knows that. But there's a difference between having a very good attack during a World Cup and having one on paper; it's completely different.

"For the moment, everything is going well, and I hope everyone will be at 100% for the World Cup.

"We need to develop our understanding, work hard, and for everyone to be on the same page."

France kick off their World Cup campaign against Senegal on June 16, before also facing Iraq and Norway in Group I.

They will also face Northern Ireland in their last warm-up match, having lost to Ivory Coast last time out.

The post France must ‘be on the same page’ to win the World Cup, says Digne appeared first on SoccerNews.