Michael Olise Hat-Trick Praised By Deschamps As France Beat Northern Ireland

Michael Olise delivered a standout display for France, hitting a first career hat-trick in a 3-1 victory over Northern Ireland that doubled as Didier Deschamps' final home match before leaving after the World Cup, giving the coach a winning farewell at Stade Pierre-Mauroy.

Olise struck twice either side of half-time, then completed the treble on 74 minutes after Patrick Kelly had briefly lifted Northern Ireland hopes, while Kylian Mbappe's landmark 98th cap for Les Bleus ended without a goal but moved Mbappe clear as France's 10th-most capped player.

Across club and international fixtures in 2026, Olise has produced 31 goal contributions in 31 matches, split between 15 goals and 16 assists, underlining the attacking influence that Deschamps referenced when praising the Bayern player's sharpness and decision-making throughout this World Cup warm-up friendly.

On the night, Olise attempted five shots, with four efforts on target, a total no teammate bettered, and only Mbappe, who registered six attempts, hit more overall, while Olise also became France's first hat-trick scorer in a friendly since Olivier Giroud against Paraguay in June 2017.

Deschamps highlighted how Olise's form with Bayern has carried into national-team duty, describing the winger as crucial for France's World Cup plans and stressing that others in the squad must reach the same level if Les Bleus are to maximise attacking options during the tournament.

Deschamps said: "He is radiant with his season at Bayern, with us too. He's full of confidence; he's so decisive, Deschamps said. He also has a remarkable ability to make efforts. We'll need a Michael at that level, others too."

The France coach also spoke about Olise's adaptation period with the national side, recalling an early spell of four or five matches where the player needed time to settle after a strong Olympics campaign, and noting Olise's quieter personality away from the pitch.

Deschamps added: "Congratulations to him. He arrived with us after a good Olympics. It took a little time, four or five matches for him to free himself, because I'm not telling you anything, he's rather introverted. But he is very endearing. We try to accompany him through the discussions. He's flying on his own; he's done everything to be at that level."

Kylian Mbappe, France caps milestone and World Cup warm-up form

Mbappe's appearance against Northern Ireland, though goalless, carried historical value, as the forward moved beyond Karim Benzema, Laurent Blanc and Bixente Lizarazu in France's all-time list by registering cap number 98, becoming the outright 10th-most used player for Les Bleus at senior level.

However, Mbappe has not scored in either of France's two World Cup warm-up fixtures, also drawing a blank in the 2-1 defeat against Ivory Coast, leading to questions about current sharpness despite Mbappe's regular involvement and chance creation during both preparation matches.

When asked whether France supporters should feel concerned by Mbappe's finishing, Deschamps chose a measured response, pointing to the chances created while also relaying Mbappe's own light-hearted explanation regarding when the goals might arrive at this World Cup.

Deschamps replied: "I'll let you be the judge. It's true that he had several situations, he didn't have the efficiency. But he told me that he kept it for the United States, that's fine with me."

Key numbers from France's win and the wider 2026 season highlight both Olise's impact and Mbappe's record, offering context for Deschamps as France move from preparation into tournament play.

France leave Stade Pierre-Mauroy with Deschamps celebrating a home farewell victory, Olise cementing a place in recent national-team history with a rare friendly hat-trick, and Mbappe adding another cap landmark, while discussions about form and selection now shift towards the World Cup itself.