Les Bleues start Melvine Malard, remodelled defence to face Poland in 2027 World Cup qualifying

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·8. März 2026

Les Bleues start Melvine Malard, remodelled defence to face Poland in 2027 World Cup qualifying

Four days after their 2-1 win in the Republic of Ireland, Les Bleues host Poland in Dijon on Saturday at 21.10 in their second qualifier for the 2027 World Cup in Brazil. Laurent Bonadei has made five changes, with Melvine Malard promoted to the XI and the defence revamped.

According to L'Équipe, Pauline Peyraud-Magnin returns in goal after a knee problem. The back line is rebuilt around Maëlle Lakrar, the only defender to keep her place from Dublin.

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The front three features Kadidiatou Diani, a starter in Ireland, Marie-Antoinette Katoto, who came on in the second half, and Malard, whose brace off the bench proved decisive.

The midfield is unchanged, with Grace Geyoro, Oriane Jean-François and Sakina Karchaoui, who will wear the armband.

France starting XI: Pauline Peyraud-Magnin, Melween N'Dongala, Alice Sombath, Maëlle Lakrar, Sandy Baltimore, Grace Geyoro, Oriane Jean-François, Sakina Karchaoui, Kadidiatou Diani, Marie-Antoinette Katoto, Melvine Malard.

Source: L'Équipe