France secured its place at the 2026 World Cup with a 4-0 win over Ukraine, thanks to goals from Mbappe, Olise, and Ekitike.
France has secured its place at the 2026 World Cup with a commanding 4-0 win over Ukraine. The first half was a testing time for France, with Ukraine’s defence putting up a strong fight. However, France’s persistence paid off in the second half, with Kylian Mbappe scoring the opener from the penalty spot.
Mbappe’s goal was followed by a clinical finish from Michael Olise, who received a pass from N’Golo Kanté and punished Ukraine’s tired defence. The goal sealed France’s top spot in the group and ensured their place at the World Cup.
Hugo Ekitike came off the bench to score his first international goal, and Mbappe added a fourth goal to cap off a memorable night for Les Bleus. The win marked France’s eighth consecutive World Cup appearance.
The match was also marked by a tribute to the victims of the 2015 Paris attacks, with a minute’s silence observed before the game.
Ukraine’s three-game unbeaten run has now come to an end, and they now face Iceland in their next match with second place and a playoff spot at stake. France, on the other hand, will look to finish the qualifiers with the game against Azerbaijan.
