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Bayern Munich’s Michael Olise staked his claim for a starting role as Didier Deschamps lined up his strongest possible team, leading France to a 3-1 victory over Northern Ireland in their World Cup warm-up match.

Olise was the star of the evening, scoring a brilliant hat-trick as France wrapped up their preparations before heading to the tournament. Despite the defeat, Michael O’Neill’s youthful Northern Ireland side showed plenty of spirit, with Patrick Kelly netting his first international goal.

Olise struck twice on either side of half-time, both times reacting instinctively to rebound opportunities, before sealing his hat-trick with a superb curling effort in the 75th minute. Kelly’s goal midway through the second half rewarded Northern Ireland’s persistence and youthful energy.

Although France, considered among the favourites for the World Cup title this summer, dominated possession, Northern Ireland’s starting lineup — with an average age of just 22.6 — impressed with their composure and resilience against a world-class opponent.

The visitors’ efforts paid off in the 64th minute when 21-year-old Kelly, making only his second start for his country, converted a Shea Charles cross to momentarily silence the home crowd. The goal echoed O’Neill’s pre-match call for his team to be “troublesome guests” at France’s farewell fixture.

Deschamps, managing France for the final time on home soil, deployed what looked like his first-choice lineup for their World Cup opener against Senegal on June 16. Kylian Mbappe, Ousmane Dembele, Desire Doue, and Olise formed a fearsome attacking quartet.

Northern Ireland almost struck early through Isaac Price, but most of the early action unfolded in France’s favour under the closed roof of Stade Pierre Mauroy in Lille, where smoke from pre-match fireworks drifted across the pitch. Mbappe went close with a curling shot, and Doue forced a save from Pierce Charles soon after.

At the other end, Price set up Kelly for a low effort that rolled just wide of the target. France came even closer when Aurelien Tchouameni’s long-range strike rebounded off the post, with Doue crossing for Mbappe to score — only for the flag to cut short the celebrations.

As the half progressed, Northern Ireland grew bolder, with Shea Charles threading an excellent pass that nearly found Kelly in front of goal. But France finally broke through two minutes before the break. Doue’s delivery found Dembele, whose shot was blocked, allowing Olise to calmly finish from close range.

Northern Ireland briefly thought they had equalised in stoppage time when Jamie Donley found the net, but the effort was ruled out for a foul by Ruairi McConville on Theo Hernandez.

Just three minutes into the second half, France doubled their lead. Substitute Malo Gusto’s cross was spilled by goalkeeper Pierce Charles, and after Trai Hume blocked Hernandez’s header, Olise pounced to score again.

Mbappe, still one goal short of Olivier Giroud’s all-time French record of 57, fired over from a Hernandez cross, while Maxence Lacroix missed another good chance soon after. As France pressed for more, Northern Ireland struck on the counter — Justin Devenny slipped a clever pass to Shea Charles, who beat Dayot Upamecano and squared for Kelly to finish smartly.

Mbappe missed another opportunity before Olise settled the contest with his third and final strike — a curling shot into the far corner after cutting in from the right. Northern Ireland defended resolutely in the closing stages to prevent any further goals, while France departed for the World Cup with confidence and momentum firmly on their side.