Warm-Up Victories Across Two Continents
France and the Netherlands both rounded off their World Cup preparations with convincing friendly victories on Monday evening, with Michael Olise and Cody Gakpo delivering standout performances that will have their respective nations buzzing ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The 2026 World Cup, which will be hosted across the United States, Canada, and Mexico for the first time in the tournaments history, kicks off on 11 June. With just days remaining until the opening ceremony, the world’s top teams are putting the finishing touches on their preparations.
France 3-1 Northern Ireland: Olise Steals the Show
Playing in Lille, Didier Deschampss France side produced a professional display against Northern Ireland, running out 3-1 winners. The star of the show was Michael Olise, who scored a stunning individual goal in the 75th minute that has already been described as a “jewel” by French media.
Olise, who has emerged as one of the most exciting creative talents in European football, showed exactly why he is expected to play a pivotal role for Les Bleus this summer. His goal came from a driving run through the heart of the Northern Irish defence, finishing with composure that belied his relative inexperience at international level.
France, the runners-up at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, will enter the 2026 edition as one of the heavy favourites. With Kylian Mbappe leading the line and Olise providing creativity from wide areas, Deschamps possesses an attacking arsenal that few nations can match.
Netherlands 2-1 Uzbekistan: Gakpo Shines in New York
Meanwhile, across the Atlantic in New York, the Netherlands secured a 2-1 victory over Uzbekistan in a match that served as their final tune-up before heading into the tournament proper. Cody Gakpo was the standout performer for Ronald Koemans side, demonstrating the form that has made him one of the most feared attackers in world football.
The Dutch created numerous chances throughout the match, with Gakpos movement and link-up play causing constant problems for the Uzbek defence. The victory extends the Oranje’s positive momentum heading into a group stage that will test their credentials as potential dark horses for the title.
World Cup Countdown
With the expanded 48-team format debuting this summer, the 2026 World Cup promises to be the most ambitious in the tournaments 96-year history. Both France and the Netherlands will be hoping to navigate their groups successfully and make deep runs into the knockout stages.
France will be looking to go one better than their penalty shootout heartbreak against Argentina in 2022, while the Netherlands will aim to build on their quarter-final appearance at the last World Cup. If Mondays performances are anything to go by, both nations are peaking at exactly the right time.
