France vs Chile

France and Chile are set to trade tackles in an exciting friendly at Olympique Marseille’s Stade Velodrome.

Germany further spoiled France’s near-flawless post-2022 World Cup record, inflicting the second defeat in 11 post-tournament outings on back-to-back finalists (W8, D2). But as the Germans remain the only side to have beaten Les Bleus after the Qatar showpiece, confidence should remain sky-high around Didier Deschamps’ camp. Next in line is a clash against a Chile side they last faced in 2011, yet the H2H history spells trouble, with France going winless in all three previous encounters against the CONMEBOL powerhouse (D1, L2). Despite failing to keep a clean sheet in five of their last six outings, the impending returns of Mike Maignan in goal and Ibrahima Konate at the heart of Deschamps’ backline ought to address France’s emerging defensive woes.

On the other hand, Chile’s stuttering start to their 2026 World Cup qualifying cycle (W1, D2, L3) has increased the likelihood of a third consecutive failed attempt to reach the world’s most prestigious tournament. Ricardo Gareca’s side capped off a tumultuous 2023 on a sorrowful note, drawing a blank in three successive World Cup qualifiers (D1, L2). But a glimmer of light appeared at the end of the tunnel at the start of 2024 as La Roja thumped Albania 3-0 in a friendly. It was only their first victory on foreign soil in 13 attempts (D3, L9), underscoring the Chileans’ travel sickness. Yet, you’d need to go back to June 2023 for the last time Chile won two internationals in succession.