Two days before the biggest World Cup in history kicks off in Mexico City, the final round of warm-up friendlies delivered two performances that should worry every opponent in the tournament. Spain dismantled Peru 3-1 in Puebla as Mikel Oyarzabal scored for the sixth consecutive international. Hours later in Paris, Michael Olise scored a hat-trick as France swept past Northern Ireland 3-1. These were not scrappy wins against weak opposition. These were statements from the two teams most bookmakers rate as tournament favourites. Follow every World Cup match live on iScore.ai.
The timing matters. Teams want to peak on June 11, not three weeks ago. Spain and France produced their best performances of the warm-up period in the final friendly before the real thing begins. That is the ideal preparation: building momentum right up to the starting line.
Spain 3-1 Peru: Oyarzabal Scores in Sixth Straight Game
Spain needed two minutes to take control against Peru. Mikel Oyarzabal collected the ball on the edge of the penalty area and drove a fierce strike past Pedro Gallese to open the scoring. It was his sixth goal in six consecutive international appearances, a run that has transformed him from a reliable squad player into one of the most dangerous forwards at this World Cup.
Barcelona midfielder Pedri doubled the lead in the first half, tapping home from a Ferran Torres cross after a flowing move that carved Peru open down the right side. The goal was trademark Spain: quick passing, intelligent movement, and a finish that made it look simple. Peru, to their credit, did not fold. They competed physically and created occasional chances, but the gulf in technical quality was apparent from the opening whistle.
The third goal came from pressure. Yeremy Pino's high press forced an error from Gallese, and the Villarreal winger poked the ball into an empty net to make it 3-0. Jairo Velez grabbed a late consolation for Peru, but the scoreline flattered them. Spain could have scored five or six on another day.
Oyarzabal's scoring streak is remarkable. The Real Sociedad forward has 25 goals in 53 caps for Spain, a strike rate that compares favourably with some of the country's all-time greats. More importantly, his goals have come in meaningful matches and high-pressure friendlies, not just against minnows. He told reporters after the Peru match: "I'm happy and I try to help in any way I can. What has made things go well for us is that as a group we know what we have to do and we trust each other."
Manager Luis de la Fuente was more cautious. "Being recognised as favourites guarantees nothing," he said. "We have confidence in ourselves and in the way we play, but there are many other national teams with the same quality and ability as us." That is standard manager-speak before a major tournament, but de la Fuente has a point. Spain were brilliant against Peru. They need to produce the same level when the stakes are real.
The atmosphere in Puebla was electric. Thousands of Mexican fans packed the stadium wearing Spain shirts, drawn by the heavy Catalan representation in the squad and the general affection for Spanish football in Latin America. Pedri, who scored the second goal, said: "It was a match to build momentum, and we've managed to do just that. I didn't realise they loved me so much here in Mexico."
Spain open their World Cup campaign against Cape Verde on June 15. On this form, they should win that match comfortably and carry serious momentum into the knockout rounds.
France 3-1 Northern Ireland: Olise Hat-Trick Steals the Show
Michael Olise produced the individual performance of the warm-up period, scoring all three goals in France's 3-1 win over Northern Ireland at the Decathlon Arena. The Bayern Munich forward was unplayable at times, drifting between the lines, finding space in congested areas, and finishing with the composure of a striker who knows he is in the form of his life.
France named a strong side. Kylian Mbappe, Ousmane Dembele, and Desire Doue all started alongside Olise in an attacking quartet that could terrorise any defence at this tournament. For 40 minutes, though, Northern Ireland frustrated them. The visitors were organised, disciplined, and had genuine chances on the counter-attack. One clever move in the 40th minute should have produced a goal.
Then Olise took over. His first goal came on the stroke of half-time. A deflection fell to his feet inside the penalty area, and he smashed the ball home from five yards out. It was not the cleanest goal he will ever score, but it broke the deadlock at a crucial moment. Northern Ireland had spent 45 minutes working to keep France at bay, and one moment of quality undone it all.
The second came immediately after the break. Olise latched onto a loose ball and drove a shot past the goalkeeper with his first touch. The technique was outstanding: the awareness to spot the opportunity, the speed of thought to react before any defender could close him down, and the execution to beat the keeper with power and placement.
Northern Ireland pulled one back through Patrick Kelly, who tapped home from two yards after Shea Charles had wriggled past Dayot Upamecano and pulled the ball back. It was a scrappy goal that briefly gave the visitors hope, but Olise killed the contest with his third. The hat-trick goal was the best of the three, a composed finish after a flowing move that showcased everything France do well in attack.
Tchouameni was outstanding in midfield, leading the team in both defensive contributions and chances created. The Real Madrid midfielder has often been better for country than club, and this was another example. His partnership with Adrien Rabiot gives France a solid base from which the attacking quartet can express themselves.
Mbappe did not score but was heavily involved, dribbling past defenders and getting into dangerous positions throughout. The concern for France is that their superstar forward has not been as clinical in recent matches as his talent demands. At a World Cup, that changes. Mbappe rises to the occasion in big tournaments, and Olise's emergence as a genuine goal threat means France have two match-winners operating at peak form.
Oyarzabal vs Olise: Two Forwards Peaking at the Right Time
The parallel between Oyarzabal and Olise is striking. Both have spent their careers as talented but somewhat overlooked players. Both have taken their game to a new level in the months leading up to this World Cup. Both delivered decisive performances in their final warm-up matches.
Oyarzabal, 29, has been a consistent performer for Real Sociedad for years but has never been considered among Europe's elite forwards. His international record (25 goals in 53 caps) suggests he should have been rated higher. The six-game scoring streak has forced people to pay attention. He is not the fastest or most skilful forward at this World Cup, but his movement, finishing, and understanding of Spain's system make him incredibly effective.
Olise, 24, moved to Bayern Munich from Crystal Palace and has developed into one of the most exciting attacking players in European football. His hat-trick against Northern Ireland was the latest evidence that he belongs in the conversation with the best wide forwards in the world. The scary thing for France's opponents is that Olise is not even the main attraction in this team. Mbappe gets the headlines, but Olise might be more decisive at this tournament.
Both players will face different challenges in the group stage. Spain face Cape Verde, Netherlands, and Uzbekistan in Group A. France face Colombia, Japan, and Tunisia in Group B. Oyarzabal should get opportunities to extend his scoring streak against Cape Verde and Uzbekistan. Olise will face sterner tests against Colombia and Japan, both of whom have the defensive discipline to frustrate France's attack.
Other Final Friendly Results You Need to Know
While Spain and France grabbed the headlines, several other teams played their final warm-up matches on June 7 and 8:
- Divock Origi announced his retirement from professional football at age 31. The former Liverpool and Belgium striker, famous for his Champions League heroics including the double against Barcelona in 2019, called time on a career that defined the concept of a "big-game player." Origi scored some of the most important goals in Liverpool's modern history, even if he never held down a regular starting spot.
- The Somali referee Omar Artan was dropped from the World Cup after being denied a US visa. The decision has raised questions about FIFA's contingency planning and the challenges of hosting a tournament across three countries with different immigration policies.
- England continued their Florida preparations with Thomas Tuchel finalising his starting XI ahead of the Croatia opener on June 17. Kobbie Mainoo has been turning heads in training with his close control and technical ability, suggesting the Manchester United midfielder will play a significant role at this tournament.
- Olivier Giroud signed a one-year contract extension with Lille, meaning the 39-year-old will continue playing top-flight football into his 40s. Giroud will play under Davide Ancelotti, son of Real Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti, who has taken the managerial job at the French club. The veteran striker will lead the line for France at the World Cup as well, providing a target man option off the bench for Didier Deschamps.
Eriksen Update: Denmark Star Recovering at Home
Christian Eriksen is recovering at home after collapsing during Denmark's friendly against Ukraine on June 7. The 34-year-old Wolfsburg midfielder went down in the 65th minute in Odense, five years after his cardiac arrest at Euro 2020. His implanted cardioverter defibrillator activated, correcting an irregular heartbeat.
The match was immediately abandoned. Denmark's players were visibly shaken, and the scenes were hauntingly familiar for anyone who watched the events in Copenhagen in 2021. This time, the outcome was more reassuring. Eriksen regained consciousness quickly and was able to communicate with medical staff before being taken to hospital.
Sky Sports reported that Eriksen is "doing well and at home" after the incident. The question now is whether he can play at the World Cup. Denmark open their campaign against Mexico on June 14, just seven days after the collapse. Even if Eriksen is medically cleared, the psychological impact of collapsing on a football pitch for the second time in five years cannot be underestimated.
Denmark manager Brian Riemer faces a difficult decision. Eriksen remains his most creative player, the one who dictates the tempo of Denmark's attack. But player welfare has to come first. The coming days will involve medical evaluations and honest conversations between Eriksen, his family, and the Denmark medical team. Whatever the decision, the football world will be hoping for the best.
What the Tournament Shape Looks Like Now
With the final friendlies complete, the 2026 World Cup has a clear shape. Spain and France are the form teams, both producing dominant performances in their final warm-up matches. Argentina, the defending champions, have kept preparations low-key but have the squad depth and tournament experience to go deep again. England's squad looks balanced, even without Phil Foden and Cole Palmer, and Thomas Tuchel's tactical nous gives them a genuine chance.
The expanded 48-team format means there will be mismatches in the group stage. Top seeds like Spain, France, and Argentina will face opponents from the lower pots who have never experienced this level of competition. The warm-up results suggest these mismatches could be brutal. Spain scored three against a decent Peru side without breaking sweat. France put three past Northern Ireland with Olise operating on a different level.
The tournament kicks off on June 11 when Mexico host South Africa at the Estadio Azteca. That match will set the tone. If Mexico, fuelled by 87,000 passionate home fans, produce a dominant performance, the tournament will explode into life from the first whistle. If South Africa frustrate them, it could be a slow burn before the heavyweight clashes begin.
Either way, the warm-up period is over. The real football starts now. Track every goal, every result, and every moment live on iScore.ai.
FAQ
What were the final World Cup 2026 warm-up friendly results on June 8?
Spain beat Peru 3-1 in Puebla with goals from Oyarzabal, Pedri, and a Gallese own goal forced by Yeremy Pino. France beat Northern Ireland 3-1 in Paris with a Michael Olise hat-trick. Both results confirmed the tournament favourites are in strong form heading into the World Cup starting June 11.
How many goals has Oyarzabal scored in a row for Spain?
Mikel Oyarzabal has scored in six consecutive international matches for Spain after netting against Peru in the final warm-up friendly on June 8. The Real Sociedad forward now has 25 goals in 53 caps and is Spain's primary attacking weapon ahead of their World Cup opener against Cape Verde on June 15.
Did Michael Olise score a hat-trick for France?
Yes. Michael Olise scored all three goals in France's 3-1 friendly win over Northern Ireland on June 8 at the Decathlon Arena. The Bayern Munich forward struck just before half-time, added a second immediately after the break, and completed his hat-trick in the second half after Northern Ireland had briefly pulled one back through Patrick Kelly.
How is Christian Eriksen after his collapse against Ukraine?
Christian Eriksen is conscious and recovering at home after collapsing in the 65th minute of Denmark's friendly against Ukraine on June 7. His implanted cardioverter defibrillator activated after he experienced an irregular heartbeat. The 34-year-old Wolfsburg midfielder is reportedly doing well, though his World Cup availability remains uncertain pending further medical evaluation.
Who are the favourites to win the 2026 World Cup?
Spain are the bookmakers' favourites after winning Euro 2024 and dominant warm-up performances including the 3-1 win over Peru. France, Argentina, and England are the other top contenders. France's 3-1 victory over Northern Ireland with Olise's hat-trick reinforced their status as the second choice with most bookmakers.
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Sources
- GOAL - "Six in a row for Mikel Oyarzabal! Spain striker's hot streak continues" (June 9, 2026)
- GOAL - "France player ratings vs Northern Ireland: Michael Olise is World Cup-ready" (June 8, 2026)
- Sky Sports - "Eriksen 'doing well and at home' after collapse during Denmark friendly" (June 8, 2026)
- Sky Sports - "Somali referee dropped from World Cup after US visa denial" (June 9, 2026)
- GOAL - "Divock Origi announces retirement from professional football" (June 8, 2026)
- GOAL - "Giroud signs new deal to play for Ancelotti's son" (June 2026)