World Cup 2026: France's 'Golden Key'

According to a Vietnam News Agency correspondent in the U.S., at France's base camp in Boston, northeastern America, Michael Olise draws everyone's attention despite his extremely reserved personality. During lunch breaks, he is often seen sitting alone at a table, quietly eating while his teammates chat away. The 24-year-old star is known for shunning the spotlight and rarely giving interviews. For him, the most important messages are conveyed through his runs and goals on the pitch, perfectly embodying the philosophy of "letting his feet do the talking" that Olise always follows.

The high expectations for the former Crystal Palace player are entirely justified after an explosive season with Bayern Munich, where he scored 25 goals and provided 28 assists in 57 appearances. On average, Olise contributed to more than one goal per game—an impressive strike rate at the highest level. In the national team jersey, he has also made a strong mark with 5 goals and 1 assist in just his last 9 matches. Notably, his classy hat-trick in France's 3-1 friendly win over Northern Ireland ahead of the World Cup showcased his devastating impact when the ball is at his feet.

Currently, an intriguing puzzle for coach Didier Deschamps is finding the optimal position for Michael Olise to unleash his full potential. Although the player often shines on the right wing at Bayern Munich, the French tactician has also experimented with him as a central attacking midfielder to maximize his freedom and creativity. The coaching staff's primary goal is to strike the perfect balance for the formidable attacking quartet of Kylian Mbappé, Ousmane Dembélé, Désiré Doué, and Michael Olise. If these stars quickly find their synergy, France will undoubtedly boast the most fearsome frontline in this year's World Cup on American soil.

Michael Olise's journey to wearing the "Les Bleus" jersey is also an inspiring tale of following one's heart. Born in London, England, with multi-national heritage, he could have chosen to play for England, Nigeria, or Algeria. Yet Olise opted for France, driven by his admiration for legends like Zinedine Zidane and Thierry Henry.

After earning a silver medal at the 2024 Olympics, this is the perfect moment for Olise to help coach Didier Deschamps secure a fitting farewell after 14 years at the helm of the national team. The opening match against Senegal on June 17 at dawn in New Jersey will be Olise's chance to prove his worth. Fans eagerly await magical moments from this forward on American stadiums, where every goal could bring endless joy to supporters.