Michael Oliseh joined Kylian Mbappé, Ousmane Dembele and Desiree Douai in the 3-1 win over Northern Ireland.
Published June 9, 2026
France coach Didier Deschamps challenged forward Michael Olisset, who scored a hat-trick in the final World Cup training game against Northern Ireland in a 3-1 win, to play an active role in the World Cup.
In Monday’s game, Bayern Munich winger and Real Madrid forward Kylian Mbappe joined Desiree Douye and Ousmane Dembele in a formidable attack. The Paris Saint-Germain pair were rested after winning the Champions League until their last friendly, when they lost to Ivory Coast.
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But it was Oliseh who shone the brightest, scoring home the rebound just before and after half-time before finishing off the visitors with a stunning shot from outside the box after Patrick Kelly pulled it back.
“We need Michel Olise of that level,” Deschamps said. “Michael stands out because of the season he spent with Bayern and with us.”
“He’s achieved some really great things and he’s full of confidence. He also has the ability to work hard, which is amazing,” Deschamps said.
Arsenal’s William Saliba, another Champions League finalist, showed he has shaken off an injury scare as he returns to give France a similar look for their World Cup opener against Senegal in New Jersey on June 16.
However, France’s attacks were often disjointed, and captain Mbappé, who needed one more goal to equal Olivier Giroud’s team goalscoring record, was often lackluster.
Still, they put pressure on Northern Ireland’s dense defense, forcing desperate blocks and loose clearances.
On a cold, damp night, the roof of the Lille Stadium remained closed, and play was halted midway through the first half for a drinks break to allow Les Bleus to prepare in detail for the World Cup.
France, who depart for a training base near Boston on Wednesday, will face Iraq in Philadelphia and Norway in Foxborough, just outside Boston, in Group I.
