Michael Olise stars as France begin Zinedine Zidane era with late win over Belgium

Michael Olise’s late goal secured a dramatic victory over Belgium and helped mark the beginning of Zinedine Zidane’s reign as France manager with a series of notable statistical milestones.

France have now won 11 matches during 2026, their highest total in a calendar year since 2018, when they recorded 12 victories. The figure was highlighted by French statistics outlet Stats Foot following the win over Belgium.

“France have achieved 11 victories in 2026, their highest number of wins in a calendar year since 2018, when Les Bleus won 12 matches,” Stats Foot reported.

Olise was central to another landmark. The Bayern Munich player became the first footballer since Eric Cantona in 1992 to make a direct contribution to the first two goals scored under a new France manager. Cantona achieved the feat during Gerard Houllier’s time in charge, scoring one goal and setting up another.

The Belgium match also strengthened Olise’s impressive start to his international career. He has now contributed to 18 goals in his first 27 appearances for France, scoring eight and providing 10 assists.

That makes him the first France player to reach that total since Youri Djorkaeff in 1997. Djorkaeff was involved in 22 goals during his first 27 international matches.

France’s latest victory also extended a perfect record involving Desire Doue and Bradley Barcola. The national team have won all seven matches in which the two players have appeared together.

There was a further defensive milestone for France, who kept their second clean sheet in their past 14 matches played without Dayot Upamecano.

Their other shutout during that run came in a victory over Germany on 8 June 2025.