Michael Olise ‘proud but devastated’ as he reflects on France’s 2026 World Cup near miss and Deschamps’ exit

Bayern Munich forward Michael Olise says failing to win the 2026 World Cup with France was “a big disappointment” and “not how we imagined this tournament would end”, after Les Bleus finished fourth in North America.

France, coached by Didier Deschamps, were among the pre-tournament favourites and started the competition strongly before being knocked out in the semi‐finals by eventual champions Spain, losing 2-0.

The defeat ended France’s hopes of lifting a third World Cup and proved to be Deschamps’ final match in charge after 14 years as national team head coach. He has since been replaced by Zinedine Zidane.

‘We didn’t imagine it ending like this’

Olise, who impressed in his first World Cup, broke his silence in a message posted on his official Instagram account, reflecting on the campaign and his own individual landmark.

“Not winning the title is a big disappointment. We did not imagine that this tournament would end this way from the moment it started,” he wrote.

“Wearing the France shirt at a World Cup has always been, and will always remain, a dream for me.”

Olise set a new World Cup record with seven assists at the tournament, the highest total provided by any player in a single edition of the competition.

“Even though we were not able to lift the trophy, I am proud to have achieved the record for the most assists in World Cup history (7 assists),” he said.

“But above all, I would have preferred to be here announcing that we had won the World Cup, all together, with my team-mates, the staff, the coaches and all the fans of the France national team.”

Looking ahead to France’s next chapter

France went on to lose the third-place play-off and had to settle for fourth, despite their strong early displays under Deschamps.

Olise insisted that the squad would use the pain of falling short as motivation for future tournaments.

“This is the goal that will continue to drive us,” he continued. “We hope that in the future we can give you more moments of joy and memories that will never be forgotten.”

The Bayern Munich player also paid a warm tribute to Deschamps, who guided France to the 2018 World Cup and Euro 2016 and 2022 World Cup finals before stepping down after the 2026 campaign.

Olise praised the outgoing coach for putting his faith in him and for handing him his first cap at senior international level.

“I would also like to thank the coach for calling me up for the first time to the national team, and for his trust in me even in the most difficult times,” Olise wrote.

“I will always be grateful, and I wish you all the best in the future, whatever path you choose. Thank you, France.”

Deschamps’ departure and Zidane’s arrival

Deschamps’ exit brought to an end one of the longest and most successful reigns in international football, having been appointed France coach in 2012.

After the World Cup, the French Football Federation confirmed that Zinedine Zidane would take over the national team, ushering in a new era for a squad that includes established stars and emerging talents such as Olise.

Olise’s message did not reference Zidane directly but underlined his determination, and that of his team-mates, to respond to the setback and target more silverware with France in the coming years.