The French national team concluded its preparations for the 2026 World Cup by defeating Northern Ireland 3-1 in an international friendly match at the Decathlon Arena Stade Pierre-Mauroy on Tuesday.
Les Bleus won thanks to a hat-trick from Michael Olise, while Northern Ireland's only goal was scored by Patrick Kelly.
This victory provides positive capital for Didier Deschamps' troops before departing for the United States to appear in the 2026 World Cup.
France is scheduled to kick off the competition against Senegal on June 17 in New Jersey.
France immediately controlled the game from the start and almost took the lead through Kylian Mbappe.
Receiving a through ball from Michael Olise, the Les Bleus captain managed to escape his marker and was left one-on-one with goalkeeper Pierce Charles. However, his final effort was thwarted by the goalkeeper.
Northern Ireland didn't sit back and threatened with a quick counterattack. Patrick Kelly fired a shot from the right side of the penalty area, but it went just wide of the target.
France had another golden opportunity moments later. Aurelien Tchouameni unleashed a powerful shot from outside the penalty area, but the ball hit the post.
