Michael Olise has this Tuesday (16) the opportunity to show his creative talent in France’s debut at the 2026 World Cup. The Bayern Munich striker starts the tournament against Senegal, in the first round of Group I, at the MetLife Stadium, in East Rutherford, in the United States, with the mission of creating chances, unbalancing the opponent’s defense and helping the team to start with victory.
At 24 years old, Olise is enjoying an exceptional moment at Bayern, where he registered 15 goals and 19 assists in the 2025/2026 Bundesliga, with a high average rating. His dribbling, vision of the game and finishing ability made him an indispensable part of Didier Deschamps’ attack, alongside Kylian Mbappé and Ousmane Dembélé. The naturalized Frenchman arrives at the World Cup as one of the fittest names on the squad.
Olise, the creator of the French attack
France arrives at the World Cup as one of the main favorites for the title, occupying an elite position in the FIFA rankings. With Olise in the offensive sector, alongside Mbappé, Dembélé and others like Désiré Doué, the team has the creativity and speed to decide games. In defense and midfield, names like William Saliba, Dayot Upamecano, Jules Koundé, Theo Hernández, Aurélien Tchouaméni and Adrien Rabiot guarantee balance.
On the Senegalese side, Pape Thiaw should use Édouard Mendy in goal and Kalidou Koulibaly in defense. Senegal, 15th in the ranking, dreams of repeating the feat of 2002, when they beat France 1-0 in the opening of the Korea and Japan Cup, with a goal from Papa Bouba Diop. The Teranga Lions have the experience of Sadio Mané and Nicolas Jackson.
Talent and historic reunion
The confrontation 24 years later carries strong symbolism. Olise, maturing quickly in the national team, now has the chance to shine in his first World Cup and explore the spaces against the Senegalese defense. Their individual imbalance capacity will be fundamental to overcoming the opponent’s quick transitions. Referee Alireza Faghani commands the duel, which promises intensity.
Probable France lineup: Maignan; Koundé, Saliba, Upamecano, Hernández; Tchouaméni, Rabiot; Olise, Dembélé, Doué; Mbappe. Senegal must come with Mendy; Diatta, Koulibaly, Niakhaté; and strikers like Mané and Jackson.
What’s at stake in Group I
A victory for France practically advances the classification, considering the superior squad. For Olise, the game represents the chance to start the tournament with a decisive performance and make a name for herself in the competition. The stadium must have a significant audience, with mixed fans.
Where to watch live
In Brazil, transmission is carried out by SBT on an open signal, with options also on Globoplay and other platforms. The ball rolls at 4pm (Brasília time).
France enters as favorite, but history warns of Senegal’s danger. Michael Olise and the blue attack have everything it takes to make a difference from the first minute.
