France's Michael Olise steals show with hat-trick in World Cup warm-up

France's final World Cup warm-up saw Michael Olise steal the show with a hat-trick against Northern Ireland, raising expectations for his role in the upcoming tournament. Despite Kylian Mbappe's frustration in matching Olivier Giroud's goalscoring record, Olise's performance drew praise from former players and the manager, highlighting his potential for a Ballon d'Or contention. France heads to the USA with a rich attacking lineup, relying on Olise's consistency to potentially win the World Cup for a third time.

Olise, who moved to Bayern Munich in 2024, has built a strong presence since his debut, scoring seven goals in twelve games. His hat-trick, including a fortunate first goal and two impressive finishes, showcased his growth. Manager Didier Deschamps noted Olise's confidence and defensive efforts, emphasizing his importance for the team's success.

While Mbappe's international form raises some concerns, Deschamps remains unconcerned, attributing his inefficiency to saving for the World Cup. The squad's depth, with players like Bradley Barcola, Rayan Cherki, and Warren Zaire-Emery, supports France's bid for a third World Cup title.