PARIS: France will play five friendly matches next year in the build-up to the World Cup in Russia, including a trip to the tournament hosts in March, the French Football Federation announced on Thursday.
Didier Deschamps' side will entertain Colombia at the Stade de France on Friday, March 23 before travelling to Russia on Tuesday, March 27, for a game at a venue still to be determined.
France will then play three friendly matches in the two weeks before departing to Russia for the World Cup, which kicks off on June 14.
They will face an opponent yet to be determined at the Stade de France on Monday, May 28 before meeting Italy in Nice on Friday, June 1, and the United States in Lyon on Saturday, June 9.
France have been drawn in Group C at the World Cup with Australia, Peru and Denmark and will face the Australians in their opening game in Kazan on June 16.