France have agreed to play a friendly against Ivory Coast on 17 August in the build-up to their crucial FIFA World Cup qualifiers against the Faroe Islands and the Republic of Ireland.

Drogba returns
Raymond Domenech's side will face a tough test at the Stade de France against the Elephants, who lead their African World Cup qualifying group and can call on Chelsea FC's former Olympique de Marseille striker Didier Drogba.

Big games ahead
France were initially scheduled to play Senegal on that date, however the African team pulled out of the fixture after reshuffling their backroom staff, including dismissing coach Guy Stéphan. Les Bleus sit fourth in Group 4 and play host to the Faroese before visiting section leaders Ireland on 3 and 7 September respectively.