France wrapped their World Cup warm‑up with a 3‑1 win over Northern Ireland in Boston, and Bayern Munich winger Michael Olise stole the headlines. The 24‑year‑old netted his first senior hat‑trick, finishing with a deflected tap, a thunderous strike and a curling finish. The performance pushed him to seven goals in 12 caps ahead of the tournament. The crowd roared throughout in Boston.

Former France striker Louis Saha said Olise’s mentality, built at Crystal Palace and refined after his 2024 Bayern transfer, could thrust him into Ballon d’Or talks. He stressed that only relentless consistency earns a place beside Messi or Ronaldo. Didier Deschamps echoed the praise, highlighting Olise’s confidence, defensive contribution and clinical finishing as vital for France’s championship ambitions. He aims to replicate elite standards.

With Mbappé struggling for goals and Giroud edging closer to his record, Olise emerges as a fresh weapon in a French attack already bristling with talent such as Barcola, Cherki and Zaire‑Emery. Deschamps warned Olise needed time to settle but affirmed his role in the squad. France now heads to New Jersey with a more versatile forward line. The squad will rely on his spark.