For Louis Saha, however, the defining moment for France's new generation of attacking stars will not be what happened in the tournament — but how they respond afterwards.
The former Manchester United and France striker believes Ousmane Dembélé and Michael Olise have the mentality and quality to bounce back immediately when club football returns, with both players facing a new challenge after carrying the expectations of a nation.
Speaking exclusively to Football Presse, Saha highlighted Dembélé's remarkable transformation from a player criticised for his inconsistency into one of the most influential attackers in world football.
Dembélé's rise at Paris Saint-Germain has been one of the biggest stories in European football, with the French winger developing into a player capable of deciding the biggest matches.
But Saha believes the change has not simply been technical.
It has been about maturity.
"There were jokes on him because he couldn't finish all his dribbling and all these opportunities," Saha said. "And now with his maturity, to see a player of his quality being super efficient in the last third, it's unbelievable."
For years, Dembélé was viewed as a player blessed with extraordinary ability but one who still needed to add consistency and efficiency to his game.
Saha believes the difference has been his willingness to adapt and accept greater responsibility.
"He has this kind of generosity in the way he plays for his team," Saha said. "Dembélé managed to do that."
That evolution has been helped by the influence of PSG head coach Luis Enrique, who Saha believes played a major role in unlocking a different side of the winger's game.
"My credit that I will give, it's obviously the manager of PSG, Luis Enrique," Saha said.
Under Luis Enrique, Dembélé has become more than a player capable of producing spectacular moments. He has developed into a leader and a player trusted when the pressure is highest. For Saha, that is the biggest lesson from Dembélé's career.
Talent may open the door, but mentality determines how long a player stays at the top.
"To see that change, it's very inspirational for any player to be a Ballon d'Or today and respected all over the world for his work rate," Saha told Football Presse on behalf of Freebets.com.
"Even if you are talented, it's amazing humility."
That message will also apply to Michael Olise. The Bayern Munich forward arrived at the World Cup as one of France's most exciting emerging talents after an outstanding club season, and Saha believes he has all the qualities needed to become one of Europe's elite attackers.
However, the former striker believes the next step is turning promise into consistent performances at the highest level.
"Technically he is very, very hard to defend against because he is an animal," Saha said.
"He is a real inspiration again."
Olise's challenge now is similar to many young players who break into international football: maintaining the standards expected after proving they belong. His move to Bayern Munich has placed him among the game's biggest names, while his performances have raised expectations both at club level and with France.
For Saha, that pressure is part of becoming an elite player. France's disappointing World Cup exit means Dembélé and Olise will return to club football with something to prove, but Saha believes that can become a positive.
The greatest players are not defined only by success.
They are defined by their response when things do not go according to plan.
Dembélé has already shown that ability.
A player once questioned for his finishing and consistency has rebuilt his reputation through hard work, discipline and a greater understanding of what his team needs from him.
Now the next generation of French stars must follow the same path.
For PSG and Bayern Munich, the return of club football represents an opportunity for two of France's most talented attackers to put disappointment behind them and continue their development.
Saha believes their futures remain extremely bright.
The World Cup may not have ended the way France hoped, but the response from players like Dembélé and Olise could define the next chapter of their careers.