As a cat skillfully corners its prey, preparing to strike, France’s performance at the 2026 World Cup reflects a similar dynamic. They have scored at least three goals in their last four matches, showcasing a dominance that hints at even greater potential if they chose to push harder.
Strikingly, France still appears to be in the process of defining their identity in this World Cup. Much like a prodigious art student grappling with the fundamentals while possessing undeniable talent, they are evolving their style and approach.
Under Didier Deschamps, France is undergoing a significant transformation. Over his 14-year tenure, Deschamps typically created structured and defensive teams, regardless of the talent at his disposal. These teams were meticulously organized, winning through careful strategy rather than creativity or flair. The results speak for themselves: reaching the Euro 2016 final, winning the World Cup in 2018, and another final appearance lost on penalties in 2022.
Following the recent passing of his mother, Deschamps has indicated he will depart after this World Cup. However, he seems intent on leaving a different legacy. In this final chapter, he has embraced a more free-spirited approach, entrusting Kylian Mbappé, Ousmane Dembélé, and Michael Olise with leadership roles on the pitch, effectively allowing them to reshape the team’s dynamics.
This trio is discovering a system that works for the squad in real-time. Olise has proven particularly effective playing beneath Mbappé, who has finally accepted the role of the main striker he had previously resisted. Through experimentation, they have determined that Jules Koundé performs best with overlapping runs from the right-back position. France’s superior skill and experience have allowed them to refine their tactics as they compete.
“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 sweltering afternoon in New Jersey, where the temperature felt like 93 degrees Fahrenheit (34 degrees Celsius) at kickoff, France thoroughly outclassed Sweden in a last-32 matchup, clinching a 3-0 victory that felt far more one-sided. They exhibited depth in their performance, choosing not to overexert themselves.
Mbappé signaled his intent early with a disallowed goal in the 20th minute due to being offside by a shoulder. He and Adrien Rabiot both had threatening attempts, while Mbappé narrowly missed connecting on a well-crafted French play.
Olise, showcasing his remarkable skill, nearly scored with a bicycle kick that hit the near post, and Dembélé just missed the rebound. Frustrated, Mbappé was eager to make his mark.
Further brilliance from Olise followed, as his attempt from outside the box was deflected wide by goalkeeper Jacob Widell Zetterström. On the ensuing corner, Olise and Dembélé combined to set up Mbappé, who dribbled past two defenders before finding the net. 1-0. He celebrated with Deschamps.
In the 53rd minute, Olise assisted again with a well-placed through ball that slipped between Gustaf Lagerbielke’s legs to Bradley Barcola, making it 2-0.
While the French defense occasionally faltered, they exhibited confidence against a Swedish side they clearly outmatched. This allowed them some leeway in their attacking play.
In the 74th minute, Olise played a perfectly weighted pass to Mbappé, putting the captain level with Lionel Messi at the top of the tournament’s scoring charts. Mbappé, however, remains unfazed by individual accolades. “Michael is an introvert. But he’s not an introvert on the field.” he remarked.
Indeed, France had opportunities for more goals, but there seemed little need to press. With 13 goals in four matches, they are just one goal shy of their entire 2018 tournament tally.
As they exited the field in the 85th minute, both Mbappé and Olise received warm embraces from Deschamps, who celebrated their contributions. Mbappé was once again named man of the match for his scoring prowess, while Olise was instrumental in facilitating those moments.
“Michael is playing top-notch football. When he has the ball, it’s very good,” Deschamps commented. “Michael is an introvert. But he’s not an introvert on the field.”
Gusto succinctly described Olise with a single word: “Magnifique.”
This sentiment likely resonates throughout the entire team.
- Leander Schaerlaeckens is the author of The Long Game: U.S. Men’s Soccer and Its Savage, Four-Decade Journey to the Top, or Thereabouts, which is out now. He teaches at Marist University.
