A presence that is causing a buzz. Content creator Michou, followed by over ten million subscribers on social media, has been selected by M6 to be part of the “XXL” setup for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which will take place in the United States, Canada, and Mexico from June 11 to July 19. The former partner of Elsa Bois will be responsible for filming “behind the goals” during the matches.
These sequences will then be shared on both the channel’s and Michou’s social media platforms. “The idea is to make people experience it through my camera, my feelings, my emotions, and to share that as much as possible. Being on the sidelines, in this position, to see and listen to what’s happening, and transmit to people what we don’t usually see,” explained the former participant of “Dancing with the Stars” at a press conference.
Michou responds to criticism of his role during the World Cup
The announcement from M6 regarding Michou’s role in their World Cup coverage sparked lively debates on social media, with some accusing the YouTuber of taking the place of real journalists. On Thursday, May 7, Michou responded to his detractors on his Instagram story. “It’s going to be incredible. Know that I’m very excited. It’s an amazing opportunity for me and I am aware of it,” he assured. “The news has spread widely, I don’t know why, but it has also generated discussion,” he further explained.
“Some people are a bit indignant to see that it’s me who was invited rather than someone else, maybe more into football than me,” continued the YouTuber, before clarifying his role during the World Cup. “Know that I’m not taking anyone’s place. There are plenty of football reporters planned. I’m just here to share a little of what’s happening and the behind-the-scenes from my perspective,” he shared.
How will the World Cup unfold on M6?
For the first time in its history, M6 will be the only free-to-air channel broadcasting 54 out of the 104 matches of the 2026 World Cup. The channel will have exclusive rights to the French team’s matches and most of the finals until the last match on July 19 at the MetLife Stadium in New York. Apart from Michou, other personalities will be part of the channel’s coverage.
Champion Samuel Umtiti will comment on the French matches with Xavier Domergue and Benoît Cheyrou, while journalist Virginie Sainisly will be at the sideline. For other matches, four teams of commentators will be deployed: the Domergue-Cheyrou duo, Julien Brun and Samuel Umtiti, Hamza Rahmani and François Clerc, and from Paris, Jean Resseguié and Jean-Marc Ferreri. A must-watch affair.
