Olise hat-trick gives France winning farewell in final World Cup warm-up
Michael Olise scored his first international hat-trick as France defeated Northern Ireland 3-1 in their final preparation match for the 2026 World Cup.
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.
His goals erased the memory of France's 2-1 loss to Ivory Coast four days earlier and sent the team off to the World Cup with a needed morale boost.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.
His tenure produced a World Cup title in 2018 and countless memorable moments, but the focus now is on a strong showing in the United States.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.
France will hope Mbappé rediscovers his clinical edge when they face Senegal in their World Cup opener.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.
