France vs Northern Ireland Preview & Prediction | 2026 International Friendly

by Alex Lawes · June 5 2026, 12:37

For everything you need to know about the upcoming FIFA World Cup 2026 in USA, Mexico and Canada, visit our tournament hub for all the latest news, analysis, previews and predictions!

France head into this summer as one of the pre-tournament favourites as they round off their preparations with a clash against Northern Ireland on Monday night.

Kick-off date/time:

How to watch on TV: UK – BBC / USA – FOX Soccer

How to watch online: UK – BBC iPlayer / USA – Fubo

If you know your midfield point-scorers from your differential defenders, why not challenge us at FIFA World Cup Fantasy! Click here to auto-join our official #WCFantasy mini-league

France vs Northern Ireland prediction

Didier Deschamps’ France were impressive in the March international break with victories against Brazil and Colombia but the star-studded 2018 winners now head into this one on the back of a 2-1 defeat to Cote d’Ivoire in Nantes.

They now face a Northern Ireland side that now have the full focus of Michael O’Neill after he left Blackburn Rovers. The Green and White Army, beaten by Italy in a UEFA playoff semi-final in March, head into this one on the back of a slender 1-0 defeat of Guinea in Cadiz the other day.

Northern Ireland are a limited side but can frustrate their opposition so France, working things out, may not win easily – albeit they should still win at Stade Pierre-Mauroy in Lille.

France vs Northern Ireland tip: France to win to nil