France Prepares for US Friendlies Amidst World Cup Preparations and Marketing Push
The French national football team, known as Les Bleus, has arrived in Boston to begin a brief tour of the United States, facing Brazil on Thursday, March 26, and Colombia on Sunday, March 29. This trip is strategically aligned with both sporting preparations for the upcoming World Cup and a significant marketing initiative driven by key partners like Nike and the French Football Federation (FFF).
New Aircraft and Partnership with La Compagnie
The team traveled to Boston on a new Airbus A321neo aircraft, branded with the FFF logo, as part of a recently announced partnership with the airline La Compagnie on February 18. This collaboration underscores the increased focus on marketing surrounding the national team.
Nike’s Role in the US Tour and Jersey Launch
Nike, a major partner of the FFF with a contract estimated at 100 million euros annually until 2034, played a central role in organizing the US tour. Marketing meetings are scheduled while the team is based at the Four Seasons hotel in Boston ahead of the Brazil match, and in Washington D.C. Before facing Colombia. The tour also serves to promote the unveiling of the new France jerseys – a dark blue and a mint green design inspired by the Statue of Liberty.
Operational Preparations for the World Cup
While acknowledging the marketing aspects, head coach Didier Deschamps emphasized the sporting value of the tour, stating it will allow him to test strategies and assess operational logistics in Boston, a potential base camp for the team during the World Cup. The team will also evaluate the infrastructure at Babson College, a prospective training facility, though contracts are still being finalized.
FFF and GL Events Agreement for Stade de France Return
In related news, the FFF has reached an agreement with GL Events to return to the Stade de France for home matches. Following a period where World Cup qualifiers were held at the Parc des Princes, the FFF and GL Events have reached a deal, moving into the contractualization phase of their relationship. The agreement includes a commitment from the FFF to host at least three French national team matches annually, along with the Coupe de France final, at the Stade de France, starting around 2030 for the duration of the concession.
US Preference and Future Partnerships
Despite initial plans for matches against Brazil and Colombia, Nike reportedly advocated for a game against the United States, recognizing the importance of the American market. While a match against the US did not materialize, Nike continues to explore opportunities to connect Les Bleus with prominent American sports leagues, including the NFL.
Current Team Status
As of January 19, 2026, France is ranked 3rd in the FIFA rankings, having previously held the top spot from May 2001 to May 2002 and again from August to September 2018. The team’s all-time top scorer is Olivier Giroud with 57 goals, and Kylian Mbappé is the current captain. Hugo Lloris holds the record for most caps with 145 appearances.