France Seal 2026 World Cup Spot with Dominant Second-Half Display over Ukraine

Key Takeaways:

• France overpowered Ukraine 4-0 after the break, clinching World Cup qualification in the fifth round of European qualifiers
• Kylian Mbappé scored twice, while Michael Olise and Hugo Ekitike added further goals for “Les Bleus”
• Didier Deschamps managed his likely final home game as France coach, having announced he will step down after the 2026 World Cup

Qualification Secured with Ruthless Finish

France booked their place at the 2026 World Cup in the USA, Mexico, and Canada following a 4-0 thrashing of Ukraine in European qualifying. All four French goals came in the second half, with Kylian Mbappé netting in the 55th minute (from the penalty spot) and the 83rd minute, alongside efforts from Michael Olise in the 76th minute and Hugo Ekitike late on. The victory not only secured group dominance for “Les Bleus” but also marked a significant moment for Didier Deschamps, who has already confirmed he will leave his post after the upcoming World Cup.

France have qualified for the #FIFAWorldCup 🇫🇷#WeAre26 pic.twitter.com/kn5FzpOSKI

— FIFA World Cup (@FIFAWorldCup) November 13, 2025

First-Half Impasse Amid Solemn Tributes

The encounter at home began with a minute’s silence to remember the victims of the terrorist attacks in 2015, which claimed 128 lives and left hundreds injured. The stadium announcer poignantly linked this act of remembrance to the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.

Les Bleus began assertively, repeatedly threatening Ukraine’s defence in the opening exchanges. Anatoliy Trubin was forced into action in the 17th minute by a dangerous Kylian Mbappé strike. Despite early French pressure, Serhiy Rebrov’s Ukrainian side held out well, limiting France’s attacking opportunities and gradually gaining more possession. Notably, Illia Zabarnyi was bested by Bradley Barcola on the wing during one French move, although Svatok’s intervention averted any damage. Ukraine built several promising moves themselves, yet failed to breach Mike Maignan’s penalty area. Late in the half, Barcola again tested Trubin, whose intervention maintained the deadlock.

As the interval approached, France increased the tempo and frequency of attacks. Michael Olise went down in the area, but referee Slavko Vinčić waved play on. Both sides, however, remained goalless at the break after a tight opening 45 minutes.

VAR Drama and French Clinical Edge After the Interval

Early in the second half, controversy ensued when Yehor Nazaryna, challenged by Dayot Upamecano with a high boot, fell inside the box. After consulting the VAR monitor, Slavko Vinčić opted against awarding a penalty for Ukraine. Almost immediately, France were awarded a spot kick following a foul on Michael Olise by Svatok. Mbappé calmly converted in the 55th minute, sparking a flurry of French attacks.

Shortly after the breakthrough, Mbappé was released again but narrowly missed finding the net. France continued to press, and by the 76th minute, N’Golo Kanté set up Olise, who finished with his left foot to double the lead. Hugo Ekitike soon fired a dangerous effort that Trubin was forced to deal with as the pressure mounted.

In the 83rd minute, a fluid move involving Mbappé, who teed up the Liverpool striker under pressure, ended with the French captain slotting home his second goal of the match. This strike moved him within two goals of Olivier Giroud’s national scoring record.

Ekitike then capped the scoreline in the 88th minute, playing a sublime one-two with Mbappé before registering his maiden goal for France in just his fourth appearance. The comprehensive result means France are assured of World Cup qualification ahead of their final group match.

What Next in Group Qualification?

France’s remaining group fixture is an away trip to Azerbaijan, while Ukraine will host Iceland in a pivotal showdown for second place and a play-off berth – offering the last route to the 2026 World Cup.