France will face Northern Ireland in a final friendly match before launching their World Cup 2026 campaign. The fixture takes place tonight at the Decathlon Arena Stade Pierre-Mauroy in Lille Metropole, marking Northern Ireland's return to French soil nearly a decade after their memorable Euro 2016 run.
Kick-Off Time and Location
The international friendly is scheduled to start at 8:10pm local time in France, which corresponds to a 9:10pm kick-off in the UK. The match will be hosted at the Decathlon Arena Stade Pierre-Mauroy, located in Lille Metropole.
How to Watch on TV in the UK
UK viewers can watch the match live on BBC Three, with regional coverage also available on BBC One Northern Ireland. Pre-match build-up and live television coverage begin at 7:30pm, offering 40 minutes of analysis before the action starts.
Live Stream Information
For those who prefer to stream the match online or via mobile devices, the entire event will be broadcast live on the BBC iPlayer app. UK residents can also access the stream through the BBC Sport website on desktop computers or by using the dedicated BBC Sport mobile application.
How to Watch in the US
Fans in the United States can watch the live broadcast on Fox Sports. Streaming options are available through the Fox Sports app or online at FoxSports.com, requiring an active television provider login.
UK Radio Coverage
Live audio commentary will be broadcast across the UK on BBC Radio 5 Live. Regional listeners can also tune into BBC Radio Ulster, with both stations starting live match programming from 8pm.
France Team News
Manager Didier Deschamps has received a double boost, confirming that William Saliba and Ousmane Dembele are available for the match. All 26 players in the squad are fit for the friendly.
Northern Ireland Team News
Manager Michael O'Neill has named a competitive squad as they aim to build on a recent 1-0 win against Guinea. No major new injury concerns have been reported, and young striker Callum Marshall could lead the attack against the former world champions.
Head-to-Head Record
This evening marks the first meeting between these two nations in over 27 years. In their last encounter back in 1999, reigning world champions France secured a narrow 1-0 victory against Northern Ireland in a match played in Belfast.
For more on France's World Cup prospects, read the full story on their chances as 'alpha male' favourites aiming to crown Kylian Mbappe as the GOAT. Upgrade your World Cup TV setup with the Sky Glass 'designed for football' offer. This article contains affiliate links; we may receive a commission on any sales generated. Learn more.
