Deschamps backs hat-trick hero Olise to shine for France at World Cup

Michael Olise hit a hat-trick as France beat Northern Ireland 3-1 in Lille on Monday, June 8, in their final World Cup warm-up match. France coach Didier Deschamps said the Bayern Munich winger has earned a central role and challenged him to carry that form into the tournament. Patrick Kelly scored Northern Ireland’s lone goal. France open their World Cup campaign on June 16 against Senegal in New Jersey.

Olise struck just before the interval and again shortly after the restart, then curled in a third from outside the area to put the result beyond doubt. Northern Ireland briefly rallied after Kelly pulled one back, but France controlled territory and tempo in front of their home crowd.

“We’ll need a Michael Olise at that level,” Deschamps said after the game. “Michael stands out because of the season he has had at Bayern and with us.” He added: “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.”

France’s attack featured Kylian Mbappe and Ousmane Dembele alongside Olise and Desire Doue, though the front line was at times disjointed. Even so, the hosts repeatedly pressed a crowded Northern Irish defence, forcing desperate blocks and hurried clearances.

William Saliba returned from a recent injury scare to bolster the back line, offering Deschamps a look close to how France could line up for their World Cup opener. Captain Mbappe remains one goal shy of Olivier Giroud’s national scoring record.

With the roof at Lille closed on a damp evening, play paused for drinks breaks in both halves as France fine-tuned details for conditions expected in the United States. The performance steadied France after a previous friendly defeat to Ivory Coast.

Deschamps’ challenge to Olise

Deschamps’ message underlined how decisively Olise has pushed his way into France’s front-line plans after a strong season at club level and consistent contributions with the national team. The coach’s emphasis on work rate and end product points to a defined role for the winger once the tournament begins.

Mbappe and Dembele were rested for the previous friendly and returned in Lille, restoring France’s preferred dynamic with pace and dribbling on both flanks. Olise’s finishing touch in this window adds another dimension for opponents to handle.

Group I schedule and travel plan

France will leave for their training base near Boston on Wednesday. They face Senegal in New Jersey on June 16 before meeting Iraq in Philadelphia and Norway in Foxborough as part of Group I.

With travel set and one final tune-up completed, Deschamps and his staff will focus on selection details and freshness through the week. Saliba’s fitness and Mbappe’s pursuit of Giroud’s record will be key watch points as France settle in the United States.

France are expected to step up match preparations on arrival, with attention turning to finalizing the starting XI and set roles before the Group I opener.