As France prepare to board their flight to the United States for the 2026 World Cup, they do so on the back of a statement performance. Michael Olise struck a brilliant hat-trick as Les Bleus defeated Northern Ireland 3-1 in their final friendly, sending a clear message to their group-stage rivals that Didier Deschamps’ side are in ominous form ahead of the tournament.
Olise Announces Himself on the International Stage
The Bayern Munich playmaker was simply unplayable. Olise opened the scoring with a composed finish after cutting inside from the right flank, doubled his tally with a curling effort from the edge of the box that left the Northern Ireland goalkeeper rooted, and completed his treble with a well-taken header from a pinpoint cross. It was a performance that drew comparisons with Michel Platini — the last French player to score a hat-trick in a pre-World Cup friendly. For a player who has sometimes struggled to command a consistent starting role in Deschamps’ system, this was a definitive statement of intent.
Deschamps’ Selection Dilemma Becomes an Embarrassment of Riches
Olise’s fireworks merely underline the selection headache facing Deschamps. With Kylian Mbappe, Ousmane Dembele, Randal Kolo Muani, and Marcus Thuram all competing for attacking berths, the French manager has an embarrassment of riches at his disposal. But Olise’s versatility — capable of playing as a winger, an attacking midfielder, or even as a false nine — gives Deschamps tactical flexibility that few other nations can match. After this performance, it will be nearly impossible to leave him out of the starting XI for France’s opening match against Senegal.
France’s World Cup Prospects
Les Bleus enter the tournament as one of the favourites, and this friendly provided compelling evidence why. The midfield axis of Aurelien Tchouameni and Adrien Rabiot offers both steel and creativity, while the defence — marshalled by Ibrahima Konate and Dayot Upamecano — provides a solid platform. But it is in the final third where France truly terrifies opponents. Mbappe’s pace, Dembele’s dribbling, and now Olise’s form create a multi-dimensional attack that can unlock even the most organised defences.
A First Since Platini
Olise’s hat-trick was statistically significant: it marked the first time a French player had scored three times in a single match since Platini’s era, highlighting the rarity of such dominance. The statistic also underscores how France has evolved from a team reliant on individual brilliance to one where scoring is distributed across multiple threats. For Olise personally, the milestone could be transformative. Players who enter World Cups in peak form often produce tournament-defining moments — and the signs are encouraging for the 24-year-old.
What Lies Ahead
France open their World Cup campaign against Senegal, followed by matches against two other group opponents. With the squad flying to the United States in high spirits and with momentum from a convincing friendly victory, Deschamps will be pleased with the timing of this performance. The real test begins when the tournament kicks off, but for now, France have sent a warning shot to every team in the competition: this is a squad peaking at exactly the right moment.
