When a cat corners its prey, it may seem to be playing, but it is actually strategizing for the final strike. This analogy aptly describes France’s performance at the 2026 World Cup.
Les Bleus have been on a scoring spree, netting at least three goals in their last four matches. Each game, they appeared capable of extending their lead even further, had they not run out of time, energy, or motivation.
Despite their success, France is still in the process of defining their identity in this tournament. Much like a gifted art student still mastering the fundamentals, they are experimenting with their style.
Transformation Underway
Didier Deschamps’ team is undergoing a significant transformation right before our eyes.
In his 14-year tenure, Deschamps constructed teams that were notably rigid and conservative, no matter the talent at their disposal. These pragmatic squads engineered victories rather than achieving them through creativity and flair. The results speak for themselves: a final appearance at Euro 2016, a World Cup triumph in 2018, and a runner-up finish four years later.
Having recently lost his mother, Deschamps is set to resign after this World Cup. However, he appears determined to approach this tournament differently. In this final stretch of his management, he has ceded control to Kylian Mbappé, Ousmane Dembélé, and crucially, Michael Olise, a trio that has been wreaking havoc on their opponents.
Dynamic Duo and Emerging Talents
The attacking trio is developing a system for the whole team on the go. It has become evident that Olise thrives in a role behind Mbappé, who has finally accepted the position of lone striker that he previously resisted. They have discovered, through experimentation, that Jules Koundé’s strengths are best utilized through underlapping runs from the right back position. Such has been their dominance in this tournament that their skills and experience have allowed them to refine their strategies along the way.
“We’re going to score more,” said France substitute Malo Gusto. “Michael is playing top-notch football. When he has the ball, it’s very good,”
On a scorching afternoon in New Jersey, with heat and humidity making it feel like 93 degrees Fahrenheit (34 degrees Celsius) at kickoff, France thoroughly outclassed Sweden in a last-32 clash that concluded with a 3-0 scoreline, though the match felt significantly more one-sided. Les Bleus had ample gears to shift into but simply chose not to. They didn’t need to.
Mbappé issued an early warning with a disallowed goal in the 20th minute, having been caught offside by a shoulder. Adrien Rabiot threatened with a couple of dangerous shots, while Mbappé nearly converted a finely crafted French attack.
Olise dazzled with his skills, nearly scoring with a bicycle kick that hit the near post, while Dembélé missed the rebound narrowly. Frustrated, Mbappé signaled that it was time for the team to capitalize.
Game Highlights and Performances
More wizardry from Olise followed; his long-range effort was pushed wide by goalkeeper Jacob Widell Zetterström. On the resulting corner, Olise and Dembélé combined to set up Mbappé, who evaded two defenders and curled a shot into the net, making it 1-0. He celebrated by running into Deschamps’ open arms.
In the 53rd minute, Olise delivered a perfectly timed through ball that slipped between Gustaf Lagerbielke’s legs, setting up Bradley Barcola for the second goal, making it 2-0.
While France exhibited some defensive frailties, they felt secure against Sweden, which allowed them to be somewhat wasteful in their attacking play.
In the 74th minute, Olise provided another assist, threading a perfectly weighted pass to Mbappé, who now shares the top spot in the tournament’s scoring charts with Lionel Messi. However, Mbappé remains unfazed by personal accolades, stating, “Michael is an introvert. But he’s not an introvert on the field.”
Indeed, France could have increased their tally further, but it seemed unnecessary; they were already satisfied. Les Bleus have amassed 13 goals across four matches, just one short of their total from the entire 2018 tournament.
Mbappé and Olise received warm applause when they were substituted in the 85th minute, embraced by an appreciative Deschamps. Mbappé was named man of the match for his goals, but it was Olise who orchestrated much of the action.
“Michael is playing top-notch football. When he has the ball, it’s very good,” Deschamps remarked. “Michael is an introvert. But he’s not an introvert on the field.”
Gusto succinctly summarized Olise’s impact with a single word: “Magnifique.”
His assessment could easily represent the sentiments of the entire team.
