In brief
Michael Olise scored three goals for France against Northern Ireland, the first hat-trick of his career with Les Bleus.
Didier Deschamps coached his final game on French soil as national team manager before stepping down after the World Cup.
Kylian Mbappé failed to score for the fifth time in his last six matches, though he told Deschamps he is saving his finishing for the tournament.
Friendly saw implementation of time-wasting rules, with Olise taking 20 seconds to leave the pitch without sanction and Upamecano staying off after treatment for over a minute.
Olise's historic night
Bayern Munich winger Michael Olise delivered a commanding performance at Lille's Stade Pierre-Mauroy, scoring all three French goals to secure a 3-1 victory over Northern Ireland. The hat-trick was the first of his young international career and underlined his growing importance to Didier Deschamps' side. Olise, who joined the national set-up after a strong Olympic tournament, had taken time to settle but now appears fully liberated.
“Michael is radiant. He's full of confidence and so decisive. Beyond his offensive contributions, he has a remarkable ability to put in defensive work. We'll need a Michael at that level.”
Deschamps' home farewell
The match marked the end of an era: Didier Deschamps coached his final match on home soil as France's head coach. The 57-year-old, who has been in charge since 2012, received a warm ovation from the Lille crowd. Deschamps, who will step down after the World Cup, insisted there was no nostalgia.
“The circle is complete, in a way. I've had a lot of messages and recognition, which is pleasing. I'm like on the first day, I enjoy every minute.”
Mbappé's struggles in front of goal
Kylian Mbappé endured another frustrating evening, extending a scoring drought that now stretches to one goal in his last six outings for club and country. The Real Madrid forward created chances and worked hard, but his finishing lacked its usual bite. Deschamps later revealed that Mbappé had joked about keeping his goals for the tournament.
“He had several opportunities and wasn't efficient. But he told me he's saving it for the United States. That works for me.”
New FIFA rules get an imperfect rollout
The friendly served as a test bed for new FIFA regulations aimed at reducing time-wasting. Substituted players are now supposed to leave the pitch within ten seconds, but when Olise was taken off late in the game, he took roughly twenty seconds to acknowledge the crowd's applause, without sanction. The referee did urge him to hurry. Another rule requires players who receive treatment to stay off the field for at least one minute. Defender Dayot Upamecano, after a bloody elbow to the face, remained on the sidelines for about two minutes and forty-five seconds, though the effective time excluding stoppages was around one minute and thirty-seven seconds. The mixed application suggests a period of adjustment is still needed.
The road to the United States
France will fly to the United States on Wednesday at 13:30, carrying both hope and questions. Their first test comes on 16 June against Senegal, a team that will offer a stern examination of a squad that still looks a work in progress. Ousmane Dembélé, returning to the side, also got minutes under his belt as Deschamps tests combinations. Defensive solidity and finishing efficiency remain areas to sharpen, but the Lille victory at least ensures the team departs on a positive note.