​Why France kicks the ball directly out of play on kickoffs originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.Michael Olise is one of the most skilled footballers in the world. He takes the kickoffs for France at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementAnd when the referee’s whistle blows, Olise boots the ball directly out of play deep down the opposing sideline.It’s something that, when you see it for the first time, can be quite startling. Did he really just kick the ball out of bounds?It’s not new to France, though. Anyone who has watched the French national team over the last few years recognizes this as their consistent strategy.Other teams have begun to adopt it, as well — including the United States, which used it throughout this World Cup before exiting in the Round of 16.For France, it has coincided with an era of great success, and it’s on a big stage again as the French are one of four teams left standing at the 2026 World Cup.AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementSo what’s the big deal? It’s actually quite simple.MORE: Christian Pulisic gives a terrible answer after World Cup-ending lossFrance simply wants the ball at the other end of the field to set up its defensive shape and pressure.By kicking the ball out of play, preferably in the final third of the pitch, France forces its opponents to play out from the back immediately. Considering that the French side believes in its pressuring abilities, it actually sets France up to create a turnover and the danger that can come from that.The alternative option is to kick the ball backward and work it around — but in that instance, France actually invites pressure toward its own deeper-lying players.AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementIt’s rare that a team takes the kickoff, pings it around for a while and eventually scores without the other team touching the ball.By kicking it out of play down the field, France is setting up the field position battle to be in its favor.It may look odd, but it’s exactly what France wants, and for logical reasons.Erling Haaland brought a wild $750 gift home from the World CupAn on-brand finish to Neymar’s Brazil careerLionel Messi makes announcer lose his mind in 35-second goal callJordan Henderson got injured celebrating England’s win over MexicoActor who played Dani Rojas in Ted Lasso makes pro soccer debut