The French Women's National Team is set to kick off their UEFA Women's Nations League campaign against Norway on Friday evening, February 21, at the Stadium of Toulouse. Following their disappointing exit during the Paris 2024 Olympics, the match promises to be not just a contest, but also a pivotal moment for the team to recapture the support of their fans, with over 13,000 tickets sold, marking the highest attendance since the Olympics.
Under the guidance of new head coach Laurent Bonadei, the squad includes star player Wendie Renard. This match is particularly significant, as it serves as the starting point for Bonadei's official leadership after several friendly matches. He took over the manager's position from Hervé Renard and aims to focus on two main objectives: preparing effectively for Euro 2025, and rekindling the interest of fans following recent underwhelming performances.
The coaching staff announced the official lineup, featuring goalkeeper Pauline Peyraud-Magnin and defenders Elisa De Almeida, Maëlle Lakrar, Selma Bacha, Griedge Mbock, along with midfielders Grace Geyoro, Sakina Karchaoui, Sandy Baltimore, and captain Sandie Toletti, and forwards Kadidiatou Diani and Melvine Malard. The match against Norway not only signifies the start of the competition but also serves as the first real test for Bonadei’s tactical approach to build momentum as they prepare for the European Championship.
Having previously reached the final of the inaugural League of Nations, the team, now restructured and revitalized, hopes to create new winning streaks, starting with this match. "There’s definitely excitement returning for women’s football, and we want to show the fans how much we appreciate their support by winning matches," said Bonadei during the pre-match press conference. His sentiments were echoed by Kadidiatou Diani, who added, "We have to reverse the trend and remind everyone why they fell in love with our team to begin with. Winning is the best way to do this."
The induction of new players, combined with the experience of veterans like Eugénie Le Sommer, who will potentially equal Sandrine Soubeyrand’s record of 198 caps, adds another layer of anticipation to the match. Fans eagerly await to see if she can achieve this milestone, alongside the excitement of watching the likes of Adéa Hegerberg from Norway, who brings her own set of accolades to the pitch.
The game is scheduled to commence at 21:10 and will be officiated by Welsh referee Cheryl Foster. For those unable to attend the match, it will be broadcast live on France 3, ensuring fans can follow every moment of this monumental opener for the French Women’s National Team.
This match, framed as the start of not just another competition but also of renewed aspirations and commitments, showcases women’s football as it strides forward onto the national and international stage. The excitement and pressure are palpable as the team seeks to assert themselves clearly as formidable contenders not just tonight, but throughout the upcoming matches against Norway, Iceland, and Switzerland.