Michael Olise Drives France Deep into 2026 World Cup

Olise Orchestrates France’s Quarterfinal Victory

France’s performance against Morocco was described as one of the most one-sided quarterfinal matches in recent history. Despite a missed penalty by Mbappé, saved by Morocco goalkeeper Yassine Bounou, France remained in control throughout the match. Mbappé and Dembélé scored within six minutes of each other in the second half to secure the win. Although Olise did not register a goal or an assist in this specific match, his role as the team’s main creative outlet was central to the victory. FOX Sports analysts Thierry Henry and Zlatan Ibrahimović praised his technical ability and his capacity to deliver line-breaking passes. Henry noted that Olise’s passing reminded him of Tom Brady’s precision, stating, “As soon as you get the ball, it’s over.” Ibrahimović echoed this sentiment, labeling the midfielder as the “point guard” and the “Tom Brady of France.”

A Transformative Rise to World-Class Status

Olise’s impact on the 2026 World Cup has been significant. Leading the tournament with five assists heading into the semifinals, he has transitioned from a player who was not part of the France squad for Euro 2024 to a vital starter for Didier Deschamps’ side. His ability to influence a game was perhaps best demonstrated during France’s tournament opener against Senegal. After a disappointing first half, Deschamps shifted Olise from the right flank to a central position, a move that transformed France’s attack. Olise finished that match with 27 passes in the final third—more than any other teammate—and created four scoring chances. His performance throughout the tournament has seen him reach a total of 1.35 non-penalty expected goals and assists, the highest of any player at the 2026 World Cup.

Early Career Challenges and Development

The path to the World Cup stage was not direct for the 24-year-old. Born in England, Olise spent his early years playing on a housing estate in Hayes, west London, where coaches noted his natural, graceful movement. Despite being signed by the academies of Chelsea and Manchester City, he was released by both clubs at age 16. Brendan Flanagan, a scout for Reading, eventually recruited the midfielder, noting that despite skepticism from some staff who worried about his past releases, Olise proved to be an intelligent and dedicated professional. His time at Reading served as a catalyst for his professional career before his move to Bayern Munich, where he recorded 26 assists last season.

Loyalty Beyond the Pitch

Olise’s influence extends beyond his on-field performance. Throughout the 2026 World Cup, his social media presence has drawn attention for its unique aesthetic. Since the start of the tournament, Olise has posted only grainy, pixelated images that appear to be captured directly from television broadcasts. This stylistic choice is a gesture of loyalty to his personal photographer, Florence Pernet, who was denied accreditation to cover the tournament in the United States. Rather than using high-resolution images from other photographers, Olise has continued to feature Pernet’s work, ensuring she remains part of his World Cup journey.

Looking Ahead to the Semifinals

France now awaits the winner of the Spain-Belgium match. Reflecting on the road ahead, Henry emphasized that the team must remain focused. “I hope they’re going to have more gears, because whoever is coming next is going to be a big game,” Henry said.

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