Michael Olise has recorded three assists in France’s first two matches of the 2026 World Cup, the highest total of any player in the tournament so far. The 23-year-old creative midfielder’s performances are giving France a new dimension in attack, reducing the side’s long-standing dependence on Kylian Mbappé.
Olise’s early tournament impact
Olise’s three assists — one in the opening group match and two in the second — have come from open-play crosses, through balls and set pieces. The numbers place him alone atop the tournament’s assist leaderboard after two matchdays, a feat no French player has achieved at this stage of a World Cup since Zinedine Zidane in 1998.
France’s attack had often revolved around Mbappé’s pace and finishing. Olise’s emergence as a reliable creator means opponents can no longer focus solely on shutting down the Paris Saint-Germain star. Against teams that pack the box, Olise’s vision and passing range give France a second, equally dangerous option.
Reducing the Mbappe dependency
In previous tournaments, France’s creative output sometimes stalled when Mbappé was neutralised. Olise’s ability to find runners from deeper positions has changed that. Against their second group opponent, France’s first goal came from an Olise cross that bypassed three defenders and found a teammate at the back post.
The shift has implications beyond this tournament. France’s coaching staff had been searching for a long-term solution to the team’s overreliance on Mbappé. Olise’s performances suggest he can become the consistent creative hub the squad has lacked.
What Olise’s form means for France’s title chances
With two wins from two matches, France are already on course for the knockout rounds. Olise’s assists have contributed directly to both victories. The team’s goal difference also benefits from his set-piece deliveries.
Analysts within the French camp have noted that Olise’s emergence allows the team to rotate attacking patterns without losing effectiveness. The knock-on effect: Mbappé faces fewer double-teams and has more space to operate. In the second group match, Mbappé scored twice, both times after Olise had drawn defenders toward him.
France next face their final group opponent, where Olise will have a chance to extend his assist tally. A top‑of‑the‑group finish could set up a more favourable path through the knockout rounds.
The question now is whether Olise can maintain this form when the pressure rises. The knockout stage will test France’s depth and composure. But for the first time in years, the team no longer has to rely almost entirely on one superstar to create scoring chances.
