Overview
- Michael Olise scored a hat-trick to give France a 3-1 win over Northern Ireland in Lille, a display that pundits and coach Didier Deschamps hailed as decisive and confidence‑boosting.
- Deschamps called Olise “radiant” and said the winger’s form will be needed at World Cup level, while publicly downplaying concerns about Kylian Mbappé’s missed chances.
- Northern Ireland left encouraged after a brave showing that produced Patrick Kelly’s first international goal and strong late defending against a deeper France squad.
- Malo Gusto’s second‑half involvement helped create Olise’s third goal and highlighted France’s squad depth that manager Michael O’Neill contrasted with Northern Ireland’s limited substitutions.
- Olise’s hat-trick crowns a standout club season and has prompted early Ballon d’Or chatter, with France now en route to their U.S. training base ahead of their World Cup opener on June 16 in New Jersey.