During a World Cup night when score checks on Cricket Exchange moved quickly, France opened their campaign in the United States, Canada, and Mexico with a 3-1 win over Senegal. In the 66th minute, Michael Olise set up Kylian Mbappe, who finished the move and gave France the breakthrough. In the second group match, France led Iraq 1-0 at halftime after another early connection between the same two players. This time, Olise delivered the assist in the 14th minute, and Mbappe once again scored the opening goal.
The link between Olise and Mbappe has become one of France’s most reliable attacking weapons. Their timing, movement, and passing rhythm give the team a sharp edge whenever opponents defend deep. For France, this partnership now feels like a master key, capable of unlocking tight defensive lines when space is limited and pressure begins to build.
At 24, Olise has already built an outstanding club record with Bayern Munich. In the 2024-25 season, he played 55 matches and produced 20 goals with 20 assists. He then went one step further in 2025-26, recording 22 goals and 26 assists across 52 appearances. Those numbers show why many people now place him among Europe’s most dangerous wide players.
The main questions around Olise are becoming harder to avoid. One is whether he or Lamine Yamal should be seen as the best right winger in the world today. The other is how far Olise still stands from the Ballon d’Or. With Cricket Exchange match details moving alongside major international fixtures, every strong performance gives that debate more fuel.
This match also carried an interesting personal milestone. It was Olise’s 19th appearance for France, and he has now scored seven goals while providing four assists. That means he has directly contributed to 11 goals in his first 19 national team matches, making him only the second French player since 2000 to reach that mark.
In a record line that Cricket Exchange users could easily compare across France’s recent history, the first player after 2000 to achieve the same numbers was Mbappe himself. He also had seven goals and four assists in his first 19 France appearances. For Olise, matching that path does not guarantee the same career, but it proves he is already keeping company with the very best.