France manager Didier Deschamps has credited a second-half tactical adjustment — shifting Michael Olise from the left wing into a central role — as the key to unlocking a stubborn Senegal side in their FIFA World Cup 2026 Group Stage opener on Tuesday.

France ran out 3-1 winners, but the victory was far from straightforward. Senegal pushed Deschamps' men hard throughout an evenly contested first half, and it was only after the interval that France found their rhythm and pulled away.

Olise's impact in the middle

The 23-year-old Bayern Munich forward was awarded Player of the Match following a second-half display that proved decisive. Olise delivered a sensational through-ball to set up Kylian Mbappé's opening goal, and he was instrumental in the buildup to France's third — also finished by Mbappé.