Five important things we learned from France's win over Northern Ireland pre-World Cup 2026

The 2018 winners, Les Bleus, are ready for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

France ended their preparations for the 2026 FIFA World Cup with a convincing 3-1 win. They defeated Northern Ireland, thanks to a hat-trick from Michael Olise.

Didier Deschamps, at the helm of France for the final time, fielded a team that might well be the starting lineup for their World Cup opener against Senegal on June 16. It has Kylian Mbappe, Ousmane Dembele, Desire Doue, and Olise making an imposing front four.

🔥 VICTORY 3️⃣-1️⃣ !Les Bleus get the win in their last warm-up match before the World Cup thanks to a hat-trick from Michael Olise 💙#FRANIR pic.twitter.com/tWfsfsbPox

— French Team ⭐⭐ (@FrenchTeam) June 8, 2026

Five things we learnt from France’s win over Northern Ireland

5. Similar attack vs Senegal

With so many attacking possibilities at Didier Deschamps’ disposal and so few spots available, there has been some speculation over who will make the cut.

Regardless of any severe setbacks, Deschamps’ selection for this encounter is expected to remain the same as this friendly one for Senegal on June 16th. Kylian Mbappé was undoubtedly going to start as the number nine in Deschamps’ 4-2-3-1. But who would join him was considerably less certain.

Ousmane Dembélé, like Mbappé, was a must-pick. But tonight he played as an attacking midfielder rather than his more natural position on the wings. Désiré Doué started on the left wing, while Michael Olise continued to play on the right from Thursday’s 2-1 loss to the Ivory Coast. Hence, we can expect a similar attack against Senegal.

4. William Saliba is fully fit

William Saliba’s injury issues have worried both French and Arsenal fans, albeit for different reasons. Saliba has emerged as a defensive lynchpin for both sides. It was no surprise that France looked significantly worse than predicted against the Ivory Coast on Thursday without him.

Saliba is apparently recovering from a back issue. There was concern about how this would affect his appearance at the competition. His absence would be a big blow.

But it looks like Deschamps and his medical team aren’t concerned now. The Arsenal man played the first half before being substituted at halftime.

3. Deschamps is still searching for a more balanced squad

The quest for balance has been a distinguishing characteristic of Deschamps’ 14-year tenure as France’s coach. However, as the World Cup approaches, there is a distinct sense that the manager is striving to discover the golden recipe that will allow his superstar side to connect. France appears to be top-heavy in attacking talent but also ill-coordinated.

Despite the lopsided scoreline, the assault struggled throughout the 90 minutes as Deschamps attempted to build his team around Mbappé’s goal-scoring abilities. However, with Mbappé struggling, Les Bleus were forced to rely considerably more on individual flashes of brilliance than on fluid collaboration.

2. Leaky at the back

France’s situation at the back has been exacerbated by a knock-on effect on the defenders. They have appeared extremely vulnerable over the last two friendlies. The counters have looked lethal against Deschamps’ side.

One wonders if Les Bleus will face significant challenges against a more powerful team.

1. Michael Olise should be an undisputable starter

Sometimes, a player appears to have the perfect moment, a tournament where they truly establish themselves as a superstar on the grandest stage.

We saw that happen with Kylian Mbappe for France at the 2018 World Cup; we knew he was a phenomenal talent before they lifted the World Cup in Russia. But that was when he truly arrived.

This summer, we expect another French player, Michael Olise. He can achieve the same in the United States, Canada, and Mexico. He has been in tremendous form.

His hat-trick against Northern Ireland demonstrates he should be the starter in every World Cup game for France.

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