World Cup 2026: ‘We’ll need a Michael Olise at that level’ – Deschamps lays down challenge

Michael Olise delivered the perfect response ahead of the World Cup, but France coach Didier Deschamps has already challenged the Bayern Munich winger to maintain those standards on football’s biggest stage.

The former Crystal Palace star struck a brilliant hat-trick as France defeated Northern Ireland 3-1 in a World Cup warm-up match in Lille on Monday night, underlining why he is emerging as one of Les Bleus’ most important attacking weapons heading into the tournament in the United States.

With captain Kylian Mbappe leading the line and Paris Saint-Germain duo Desire Doue and Ousmane Dembele returning to the starting lineup, France fielded one of the most formidable attacking units in international football.

Yet it was Olise who stole the headlines with a clinical display that showcased both his confidence and growing influence within the national team setup.

The 24-year-old opened the scoring shortly before half-time when he reacted quickest to convert a loose ball. Moments after the restart, he doubled his tally in similar fashion, punishing Northern Ireland once again from close range. He then completed his treble in style, curling a superb effort from outside the penalty area beyond the goalkeeper to extinguish any hopes of a comeback after Patrick Kelly had briefly reduced the deficit.

Deschamps raises expectations

Despite the impressive victory, Deschamps was more interested in what Olise can bring when the World Cup begins next week.

“We’ll need a Michel Olise at that level,” Deschamps said.

The France boss believes the winger’s outstanding campaign at Bayern Munich has elevated him to another level and placed greater responsibility on his shoulders ahead of the tournament.

“Michael stands out because of the season he has had at Bayern and with us.”

“He has achieved some really great things, he is full of confidence. He also has the ability to put in the effort, which is remarkable.”

Those comments reflected both admiration and expectation. Deschamps has never hidden his belief that France possess one of the deepest squads in world football, but the emergence of Olise as a genuine game-changer could provide an extra dimension as they chase another World Cup crown.

Saliba returns as Mbappe seeks record

Elsewhere, there was encouraging news for France as Arsenal defender William Saliba returned to action after concerns over his fitness. His presence offered a glimpse of what could be Deschamps’ preferred starting lineup when Les Bleus begin their campaign against Senegal in New Jersey on June 16.

France were far from flawless, however. Although they controlled large periods of the contest, their attacking play occasionally lacked fluency and cohesion. Mbappe, who is now just one goal away from matching Olivier Giroud’s all-time France scoring record, endured a relatively quiet evening and struggled to impose himself consistently.

Nevertheless, the hosts continued to push forward against a deeply defensive Northern Ireland side. The visitors spent much of the match absorbing pressure, relying on last-ditch blocks and hurried clearances to keep the scoreline respectable.

Eyes on the United States

In a sign of the meticulous planning behind France’s preparations, the match featured drinks breaks midway through each half despite the closed roof at Lille’s stadium and cool weather conditions. The measure formed part of efforts to help players adapt to the demands they could face during the World Cup in North America.

Attention now turns fully to the tournament itself. France will depart for their training base near Boston on Wednesday before opening their Group I campaign against Senegal. They will then face Iraq in Philadelphia and Norway in Foxborough as they attempt to secure a place in the knockout stages.

If Monday’s performance was any indication, Olise appears ready for the challenge. Deschamps, though, wants more than an impressive warm-up display. He wants the winger to reproduce that same devastating form when the World Cup lights shine brightest.