France midfielder Michael Olise is expected to make a major impact at the 2026 World Cup in North America.
There are players who seem destined for greatness when they step onto the biggest stage, and Michael Olise could be one of them at the 2026 World Cup. Just as Kylian Mbappé announced himself as a global superstar for France at the 2018 tournament, Olise now has the chance to do the same across the United States, Canada, and Mexico. While Olise is already well-known for his performances at Bayern Munich in the Champions League, this will be his first World Cup with France, and he has only featured in 16 senior internationals so far.
Before the 2024 Olympics in Paris, few in France truly recognized Olise’s ability, as he had only recently moved from Crystal Palace to Bayern Munich. Even now, some may underestimate him. As Olise’s former assistant coach at the under-23 level, I saw firsthand what he could do, and I believed the Olympics could have been his moment—reaching the final and narrowly missing gold. However, the World Cup is a different challenge entirely, and this will be his first major tournament with the senior national team.
As a BBC Sport analyst, I will be closely watching Olise throughout the World Cup, and he is the player I am most excited to see week after week. He has already proven his quality with four goals in 16 appearances for France, and if he carries forward his recent performances for Bayern Munich, he could cement his place among France’s all-time greats. His impact on the team could be significant—if he delivers as expected, the entire squad will benefit.
Olise is not alone among France’s World Cup debutants who have already succeeded at club level. Rayan Cherki, another player I worked with at the 2024 Olympics, is an exceptional talent with creativity in both feet, making him comfortable on the ball in any situation. When he was younger, his defensive work was inconsistent, which frustrated some observers. However, his development under Pep Guardiola at Manchester City has been transformative, helping him grow into a more complete player.
Rayan has been playing at the highest level since he was 16, debuting in the Champions League for Lyon, but his journey has not been straightforward. At such a young age, he was often excused for defensive shortcomings because his technical ability won games. Over time, though, he has had to adapt to all five phases of the game—possession, out-of-possession, attacking transitions, defensive transitions, and set-pieces. Guardiola’s guidance has been crucial in this evolution.
Working with Guardiola can define a player’s career—it either elevates them to greatness or risks breaking their development if they resist his methods. For Rayan, the partnership has flourished over the past season, as he has learned to contribute beyond just possessing the ball. If he continues this trajectory, he could reach a level similar to Kevin De Bruyne in terms of goal contributions. His progress under Guardiola has been remarkable, and if sustained, there may be no limit to what he can achieve.
Samir Nasri, who I played alongside at Arsenal, Manchester City, and France, faced a similar path of refining his game to meet higher demands. While Nasri may not have been as naturally gifted as Cherki, he adapted early under immense pressure at Marseille and later at Arsenal and City. Both players share flair and a willingness to express themselves, but Cherki appears to have even greater potential. The hope is that he can replicate Nasri’s success while reaching even greater heights.
Jean-Philippe Mateta’s selection for the World Cup squad did not come as a surprise to me. As an old-school striker with physical power and a clinical finish, he has been a key figure for Crystal Palace since joining in 2022, helping them win the FA Cup and the Europa Conference League. His consistency and leadership have been vital, both on and off the pitch. At the 2024 Olympics, he scored five goals, and his contributions for France’s senior team have continued since then.
Mateta’s inclusion is not just a reward for his club performances—it reflects the impact he can have in big moments. His positive attitude and ability to inspire teammates make him a valuable asset in high-pressure environments. Even if he does not start every game, his influence is undeniable. If France are to win the World Cup, his character and leadership will be just as important as his goalscoring ability.