Dembélé and Doué start as France fine-tune for the World Cup

Dembélé and Doué set to start against Northern Ireland

Deschamps has confirmed it: Ousmane Dembélé and Désiré Doué are ready to start today's friendly against Northern Ireland in Lille. "If they are available, they are ready to start, yes," Deschamps told the press on Monday (7). It's your last look at France before the World Cup begins, and the coach is fielding something close to his preferred XI. Dembélé returns after being rested, and Doué gets a real chance to stake his claim (10). Michael Olise, Rayan Cherki, Maghnes Akliouche, Jean-Philippe Mateta and Manu Koné are also in the conversation for minutes (7). Northern Ireland boss Michael O'Neill will have his own plans, but this is about France finding rhythm after the disjointed 2–1 defeat to Côte d'Ivoire.

Dembélé's new role: leader, not just talent

L'Équipe this week highlighted something you've probably sensed: Dembélé is no longer just the quiet winger. After three years at PSG, the Ballon d'Or winner has grown into a vocal presence in the dressing room (1). He's reportedly taken Mbappé aside for frank discussions about defensive effort – a sign that the leadership dynamic in this squad is evolving (1). With the Senegal opener approaching, that internal accountability matters as much as the tactics.

Koulibaly warns France: Senegal's expectations are sky-high

If you thought Senegal would just be happy to be there, think again. Captain Kalidou Koulibaly laid it out plainly: "Our expectations are very high" (12). Senegal face France in the World Cup opener and the former Napoli and Chelsea defender is not downplaying the moment. Group I also includes Iraq and Norway (2), but that first match already has the feel of a knockout game.

Clichy: Olise can be one of France's very best

Former France left-back Gaël Clichy has backed Michael Olise to become a defining player for the national team (3). The Bayern Munich winger has been one of Europe's most electric attackers, and Clichy believes the World Cup stage is set for him to break through. Bayern's president Herbert Hainer underlined the club's stance: "Michael Olise is a player of FC Bayern München, and he is under a long-term contract. We are not a selling club. If Florentino Pérez wants to send us a bid, which has not happened so far, he can save himself the trouble" (8). Real Madrid interest exists, but Bayern are slamming the door.

France fly out Tuesday, the logistics behind the campaign

The squad departs for the United States on June 10, and the preparation has been meticulous. One hour of time-zone recovery is built into each day's schedule, and a cryotherapy chamber is part of the traveling setup (9). With the expected heat and the compressed tournament rhythm, Deschamps' staff are leaving nothing to chance.

Fan reactions

A growing number of France supporters are questioning whether this is still "Mbappé's team." On Reddit, fans are pointing to Dembélé's increasing authority – particularly reports of him challenging Mbappé on defensive work – as a shift in the squad's power balance. The mood is intrigued, not panicked. Read the full discussion here.