Former France defender Gaël Clichy has tipped Michael Olise and Rayan Cherki to play leading roles for France at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Clichy believes Olise, who is preparing for his first World Cup, has the talent to emerge as France’s breakout star at the tournament in the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
The Bayern Munich forward heads into the competition with growing expectations after establishing himself as one of Europe’s most exciting attacking players.
Drawing comparisons with Kylian Mbappé’s breakthrough performance at the 2018 World Cup in Russia, Clichy said Olise has the ability to announce himself on football’s biggest stage.
Clichy said: “We knew Mbappé was a special talent before 2018, but that World Cup was when he truly arrived. I hope Michael can do something similar this summer.”
Although Olise has built a strong reputation through his performances for Bayern Munich in the UEFA Champions League, he remains relatively new to the France senior team.
The 24-year-old has made 16 appearances for Les Bleus and is preparing for his first major international tournament with the national side.
Clichy worked closely with Olise during the 2024 Paris Olympics when he served as assistant coach to Thierry Henry with France’s Under-23 team.
France reached the final and won a silver medal, with Olise playing a key role throughout the competition.
The former Arsenal and Manchester City defender said the winger has developed significantly since moving from Crystal Palace to Bayern Munich and is ready to impress a global audience.
Clichy said: “I know how good he is and what a top person he is as well.
“If he brings the same level he has shown for Bayern Munich, then people will see he is one of the very best players France has.”
The former defender also highlighted Cherki as another player capable of making a major impact for France at the World Cup.
Like Olise, Cherki was part of France’s Olympic squad in Paris and has continued his rise at club level.
Clichy said: “He’s an incredible talent. He has so much creative quality with both feet and never looks uncomfortable on the ball.”
With Mbappé leading the French attack and emerging talents such as Olise and Cherki pushing for greater recognition, France will once again be among the favourites to challenge for World Cup glory in 2026.
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