The French team launches its 2024 year with the reception of Germany, in a friendly match on Saturday 23 at the Groupama Stadium De Décines, near Lyon (9 p.m., TF1). This is the first preparation meeting for Didier Deschamps’ men ahead of Euro 2024 (from June 14 to July 14 in Germany).
After which, Kylian Mbappé and his comrades will receive Chile’s reply, at the Orange Vélodrome in Marseille on Tuesday, for the second match of the Blues’ international break (9 p.m., TF1).
Not that Germany and Chile are unworthy of the honors at the Stade de France. Nor has the FFF taken the initiative to relocate the French team’s matches.
It simply happens that work is currently being carried out in the Saint-Denis grounds so that it is ready to host the competitions of the Paris 2024 Olympic Games next summer (July 26 – August 11).
The “SDF” in Saint-Denis is notably equipped with new giant screens, a new athletics track and 5G.
Also at the start of the year, and immediately after the Rugby World Cup final on October 28 (South Africa – New Zealand 12-11), the Stade de France is temporarily no longer accessible to teams of France rugby and football. As well as various events such as the final of the Coupe de France and the Top 14, forced to settle in the region for the occasion.
As part of the recent Six Nations Tournament, the French XV played its three home matches in the region, in Marseille (Stade Vélodrome), Lille (Pierre-Mauroy stadium) and Lyon (Parc OL).
This season, the Top 14 rugby final will exceptionally be played at the Stade Vélodrome in Marseille on Friday June 28 (9 p.m./France 2 and Canal +).
The French Football Cup final, scheduled for Saturday May 25, will also be “relocated”, but the FFF is waiting to know the identity of the two finalists, with a view to designating neutral ground for the meeting.
