France’s World Cup hopes hinge on Michael Olise’s return to form after a slow start in Euro 2024
France’s path to retaining the World Cup title in 2026 depends on whether Michael Olise can silence critics questioning his consistency. The 24-year-old Crystal Palace forward, who scored just once in Euro 2024, has been France’s most creative player in recent friendlies, registering two assists in three games this year. But with Didier Deschamps’ squad facing stiff competition in the World Cup qualifying group, Olise’s ability to deliver under pressure remains the linchpin for Les Bleus’ tournament ambitions.
Olise’s Evolution from Goal Scorer to Playmaker for France’s Attack
Olise’s stock surged after a standout 2023–24 Premier League season, where he finished as Crystal Palace’s top assist provider (11) and earned a call-up to Euro 2024. However, his tournament was overshadowed by a lack of goals (1 in 4 games) and defensive lapses that drew criticism from pundits and teammates alike.
“He’s not a pure goal scorer, but his vision and dribbling make him irreplaceable in midfield,” said L’Équipe’s Jean-Luc Buisson, noting Olise’s 12 key passes in France’s 2–1 friendly win over Uruguay on June 10. “The question is whether he can replicate that in a knockout environment.”
France’s 2026 World Cup qualifying campaign has been tighter than expected, with Les Bleus securing only a 1–0 win over the Netherlands in their final group game on June 14. Olise’s two assists in that match—one for Kylian Mbappé, the other for William Saliba—highlighted his importance even as his goal drought persisted.
Statistical Trends: Assists vs. Goals in Olise’s 2024–25 Performance
- Assists: 2 (vs. Uruguay, Netherlands)
- Key passes: 4 (per Opta, up from 3.2 per game in Euro 2024)
- Touches in box: 18 (highest among France outfielders in friendlies)
Yet his goal-scoring rate remains a concern. In 2024–25, Olise managed just 3 goals in 32 Premier League appearances, a drop from his 2023–24 tally (6 in 36 games). “He’s a creator first, but if he doesn’t find the net, his value diminishes,” said Marca’s football analyst, Carlos Ruiz, citing Spain’s struggles with similar profiles in Euro 2024.
France’s World Cup qualifying group includes Germany, Scotland, and Hungary—teams that thrive on defensive organization. Olise’s ability to break lines will be tested, particularly if Mbappé (now playing in Saudi Arabia) remains a limited option.
Deschamps’ Tactical Adjustments to Maximize Olise’s False-Winger Role
Deschamps has shifted France’s midfield from a 4–3–3 to a more fluid 4–2–3–1 in recent friendlies, positioning Olise as the false winger on the right. This role allows him to stretch defenses while drawing in full-backs, creating space for Mbappé or Olivier Giroud.
“Olise’s movement is his greatest weapon,” said France Football’s tactical analyst, Thomas Dennery. “In the 2026 World Cup, he’ll need to exploit the wider spaces left by teams sitting deep.”
The challenge? France’s depth in attack is thinner than in 2018. With Antoine Griezmann (34) and Giroud (38) aging, Olise’s creativity may be the only way to maintain France’s trademark pressing intensity.
France’s World Cup Fate Could Rest on Olise’s Consistency Against Top Teams
France’s qualifying group is mathematically decided, but the World Cup draw could pair Les Bleus with a team built to exploit midfield gaps. If Olise fails to replicate his 2023–24 form, France may struggle against counter-attacking sides like Argentina or Brazil.
“Olise is the only player who can unlock defenses like he did against Belgium in 2022,” said The Athletic’s James Pearce. “If he’s not sharp, France’s attack becomes predictable.”
With Mbappé’s future in doubt and Giroud’s pace declining, Olise’s consistency could determine whether France repeats as champions—or faces an early exit.
Broader Midfield Concerns: Why Olise’s Role Extends Beyond Individual Success
Olise’s performance is part of a broader issue for France: a lack of proven midfielders behind him. Eduardo Camavinga (Real Madrid) and Aurélien Tchouaméni (Monaco) are reliable but uninspiring, while Randal Kolo Muani (Eintracht Frankfurt) has struggled for form.
“France’s midfield is a strength in depth, not a strength in quality,” said Sky Sports’s football correspondent, James Richardson. “Olise’s creativity is the only thing keeping them ahead of the pack.”
If he delivers in 2026, France’s World Cup defense will have a new hero. If not, the title could slip away for the first time since 1998.
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