Michael Olise, Rayan Cherki, Désiré Doué and Jean-Philippe Mateta, Paris 2024 shaped France’s World Cup six | OneFootball

Six Olympic silver medallists from Paris 2024 will head to the 2026 World Cup with France, their summer accelerating several careers. According to L'Équipe, the tournament showcased Michael Olise, Manu Koné and Jean-Philippe Mateta, while Rayan Cherki was the exception.

Coached by Thierry Henry, France took silver in Paris, losing 3-5 after extra time to Spain. The six bound for the United States are, alphabetically, Maghnes Akliouche, Rayan Cherki, Désiré Doué, Manu Koné, Jean-Philippe Mateta and Michael Olise.

Henry’s list was hit by refusals, with Lucas Chevalier and Khephren Thuram missing, and Bradley Barcola and Warren Zaïre-Emery returning from Euro 2024.

Of the 22 Olympians, 10 were or became full internationals, including Castello Lukeba, Adrien Truffert, Loïc Badé and Alexandre Lacazette.

Cherki started only once, against New Zealand in a 3-0 win, playing 77 minutes. He later said the testing summer helped him find consistency, and Henry felt he had to sustain matches and defend better.

Akliouche, back from a thigh injury, made two starts in six, played right midfield in a 4-3-1-2 and scored in the final. At 19 and mid-transfer to PSG, Doué was a joker, logging 175 minutes in five.

Olise played behind Lacazette and Mateta. Koné’s power and bite brought a semi-final ban, then Didier Deschamps called up Badé, Olise and Koné.

For Mateta, the Games proved transformative. Called while on holiday in Brazil, he scored five in the last four matches. Henry and Lacazette praised his work, humour and capacity to unite the group.

Source: L'Équipe