Olise shines brightly, outshining both Mbappe and Dembele.
Not Kylian Mbappe or Ousmane Dembele, it was Michael Olise who shone as the superstar in France’s final friendly match before officially entering the 2026 World Cup.
On the morning of June 9, France defeated Northern Ireland 3-1 in a friendly match ahead of the 2026 World Cup, with a hat-trick from star Olise.
Coach Deschamps no longer experimented with the lineup in this match. He fielded the strongest squad, with the attacking front being the quartet of Mbappe, Olise, and Doue.
Mbappe took on the role of center forward, with Dembele supporting from behind, while Olise and Doue played on the wings.
In the first half, Northern Ireland played resiliently, making it difficult for France’s star-studded attack. It wasn’t until the 43rd minute that France found the opening goal.
From a shot by Dembele, the ball deflected off a Northern Ireland defender’s leg straight to Olise, who was in a favorable position. The Bayern Munich star easily tapped the ball into the net.
In the 48th minute, Olise scored again from a rebounding ball situation. From a longer distance, Olise unleashed a powerful shot into the far corner, leaving the Northern Ireland goalkeeper helpless.
Northern Ireland pulled one back in the 64th minute, but then conceded another goal from Olise. And this time it was truly a masterpiece.
After skillfully dribbling from the right wing, Olise unleashed his trademark curving shot from about 20 meters, sending the ball on a beautiful trajectory, leaving the Northern Ireland goalkeeper diving full stretch but unable to stop it.
This goal sealed a 3-1 victory for France, a satisfactory result for Coach Deschamps’ squad before entering the World Cup.
Mbappe was rated only 6.6 in this match, the lowest on the team. Dembele had one assist and got 6.9 points, Doue got 7.1 points, while Olise was obviously the best player with a perfect score of 10.
FIFA has officially announced the detailed schedule for the opening ceremony of the 2026 World Cup, while also revealing a series of notable information related to the performance program, organization, and scale of the most anticipated event in world football.
Bayern Munich
Bayern Munich is a professional football club based in Munich, Germany, founded in 1900. It has become one of the most successful and iconic clubs in world football, winning numerous Bundesliga titles and European Champions League trophies. The club’s history is marked by dominant eras, including its rise to prominence in the 1970s with stars like Franz Beckenbauer, and continued global success in the modern era.
Bayern Munich
Bayern Munich, officially known as FC Bayern München, is a professional football club based in Munich, Germany, founded in 1900. It is one of the most successful and popular clubs in European football history, having won numerous Bundesliga titles and multiple UEFA Champions League trophies. The club’s iconic home stadium, the Allianz Arena, and its rich winning tradition have made it a global powerhouse in the sport.
Northern Ireland
Northern Ireland is a country within the United Kingdom, located on the island of Ireland, with a history shaped by ancient Celtic roots, Norman invasions, and the 17th-century Plantation of Ulster. It was created in 1921 following the partition of Ireland, leading to decades of political and sectarian conflict known as the Troubles, which largely ended with the 1998 Good Friday Agreement. Today, it is known for its stunning landscapes, including the Giant’s Causeway, and a growing peace and tourism industry.
France
France is a country in Western Europe known for its rich history, culture, and landmarks like the Eiffel Tower and the Palace of Versailles. It played a central role in major historical events, including the French Revolution and both World Wars, shaping modern democratic ideals. Today, France is celebrated for its art, cuisine, and philosophy, influencing global culture.
2026 World Cup
The 2026 FIFA World Cup will be a historic tournament, as it will be the first to feature 48 teams instead of 32, and will be jointly hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico. This marks the first time three nations have co-hosted the event, with matches spread across 16 cities in North America. The tournament builds on the region’s long soccer history, including Mexico becoming the first country to host the World Cup three times (1970, 1986, and now 2026).
Munich
Munich is the capital of Bavaria, Germany, known for its rich history dating back to 1158 when it was founded by Henry the Lion. The city is famous for its annual Oktoberfest celebration, its historic architecture like the Frauenkirche, and its cultural institutions such as the Deutsches Museum. Despite heavy damage in World War II, Munich was rebuilt and has become a major center for art, technology, and tourism.
Germany
Germany, officially the Federal Republic of Germany, is a central European nation with a rich and complex history, from the Holy Roman Empire to its division during the Cold War and eventual reunification in 1990. It is known for its significant contributions to philosophy, music, and science, as well as cultural landmarks like the Brandenburg Gate, Neuschwanstein Castle, and the Cologne Cathedral. Today, Germany is a leading economic and political power within the European Union.
Bundesliga
The Bundesliga is Germany’s top professional football league, founded in 1963 to centralize and elevate German soccer. It quickly became one of the world’s most popular and competitive leagues, known for its passionate fan culture, high attendance, and emphasis on club ownership by fans. The league has historically been dominated by clubs like Bayern Munich, Borussia Dortmund, and Borussia Mönchengladbach.
European Champions League
The European Champions League, officially the UEFA Champions League, is an annual club football competition organized by the Union of European Football Associations (UEFA). Established in 1955 as the European Champion Clubs’ Cup, it was rebranded in 1992 to its current format, expanding from a knockout tournament for league champions to a group stage competition. It is widely regarded as the most prestigious club trophy in world football, featuring top teams from across Europe.
