Colombia managed to secure a return to the World Cup. They finished the qualifiers with five unbeaten games, including wins in their last two, and climbed to third place in the final standings. They also mostly won their friendlies—only drawing with Canada. Against Croatia on Friday night, they opened the scoring in the second minute, but by halftime the final lackluster score of 1-2 was set.
France have consistently maintained a high level. They took part in the Nations League finals in June last year, and then won their qualifying group, dropping points only in Iceland where they drew 2-2. The year 2026 started with a match against Brazil. Even after an early red card for Upamecano, they managed to win.
The Latin Americans currently average 2.2 goals scored per game and 0.9 conceded. The European powerhouse is slightly more prolific: averaging 2.6 goals scored but also conceding one per match.
Previous Matches: Colombia vs France
In 2003, at the Confederations Cup, France emerged victorious. Afterwards, the teams exchanged wins in friendly encounters.
As in previous encounters between these teams, a European victory is expected in this one as well (odds – 1.63).
Colombia vs France: Key Statistics and Trends
Colombia have won five of their last seven matches
50% of Colombia’s matches end with goals from both teams and an average total of 3.1 goals per game
France have won seven of their last eight matches
50% of France’s matches end with goals from both teams and an average total of 3.6 goals per game
Colombia vs France: Probable Starting Line-ups
Colombia are expected to play in a 1-4-1-4-1 formation (possible line-up): Vargas – Mojica, Lucumí, Sánchez, Muñoz – Lerma, Ríos – James, Arias, Luis Díaz – Luis Suárez
France are expected to play in a 1-4-2-3-1 formation (possible line-up): Maignan – Gusto, Upamecano, Konaté, Theo – Rabiot, Tchouaméni – Olise, Dembélé, Ekitike – Mbappé.
