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France's rising stars eye World Cup breakthrough
As France prepares for the 2026 World Cup in the U.S., Canada, and Mexico, two young talents-Michael Olise and Rayan Cherki-are primed to announce themselves on football's biggest stage. Former France defender Gaël Clichy, now a pundit for BBC Sport, believes this tournament could be their defining moment, much like Kylian Mbappé's 2018 World Cup triumph.
Olise: From promise to potential stardom
Michael Olise, a 24-year-old winger for Bayern Munich, enters his first World Cup with 16 senior caps for Les Bleus. Despite his Champions League pedigree, his international impact remains underappreciated in France. Clichy, who coached Olise at the 2024 Paris Olympics, recalls the winger's near-gold medal performance as a preview of his potential. "The Olympics was a major event, and we reached the final," Clichy noted. "But the World Cup is different."
Olise's recent form-four goals in 16 appearances for France, including a crucial strike in a September 2025 World Cup qualifier against Ukraine-has raised expectations. "If he brings his Bayern magic to the World Cup, he'll be seen as one of France's best," Clichy added. "And if he performs, the team will too."
Cherki: The complete player in the making
Rayan Cherki, 22, has long been hailed as a generational talent. A product of Lyon's academy, he made his Champions League debut at 16 and now stars for Manchester City. Yet, his development hasn't been linear. Clichy, who also worked with Cherki at the Olympics, observed his struggles without the ball. "He was frustrating at times," Clichy admitted. "But every player matures differently."
Cherki's evolution under Pep Guardiola has been transformative. "Pep can make or break you," Clichy explained. "If you listen, you become great. If not, the relationship fractures." Guardiola's departure from City leaves Cherki's future open, but his progress-particularly in defensive phases-has been undeniable. "He's added layers to his game," Clichy said. "Now, he's trusted by his coaches, and his stats could rival Kevin De Bruyne's."
Mateta: The underrated leader
Jean-Philippe Mateta's inclusion in France's World Cup squad surprised some, but not Clichy. The Crystal Palace striker, a silver medalist at the 2024 Olympics, has been a revelation in England. "Since he joined Palace in 2022, they've won the FA Cup and Europa Conference League," Clichy noted. "That's no coincidence-when your striker performs, the team does too."
Mateta's two goals in four senior appearances for France underscore his clinical edge. Beyond his scoring, Clichy praised his leadership. "He's a great character in the dressing room," he said. "A proper leader who lifts the team, on and off the pitch."
Legacy of growth
Clichy drew parallels between Cherki's journey and Samir Nasri's, another French playmaker who blossomed under pressure. "Nasri was less talented but harnessed his potential," Clichy said. "Cherki is a level above. If he keeps improving, there's no limit."
As France eyes World Cup glory, Olise, Cherki, and Mateta represent a blend of flair, resilience, and leadership. For Clichy, their success could define France's campaign. "This is their moment," he said. "The stage is set."
