France showcased their qualifying prowess once again as a Kylian Mbappé brace helped secure a 4–0 victory over Ukraine at the Parc des Princes on 13 November 2025, sealing their place at an eighth consecutive World Cup. The match carried added emotional weight, taking place on the 10th anniversary of the Paris attacks that killed 130 people.
Les Bleus remain unbeaten in European Championship or World Cup qualifying since 2019 and will be seeded for next year’s tournament in the United States, Mexico and Canada when the draw is made on 5 December. The 2026 World Cup will also mark Didier Deschamps’s final campaign in charge.
France lead Group D with 13 points from five matches, holding an unassailable six-point advantage over second-placed Iceland. They conclude their qualifying schedule on Sunday against bottom-placed Azerbaijan.
Captain Mbappé produced two second-half goals, either side of Michael Olise’s 76th-minute strike, to guide France comfortably to victory. Hugo Ekitike added a late fourth to round off a dominant display.
France created the better chances throughout. Mbappé forced a sharp save from Anatoliy Trubin with a long-range effort in the 17th minute, while Bradley Barcola almost scored shortly before half-time with a curling attempt that clipped the woodwork.
Les Bleus finally broke through in the 55th minute when Mbappé converted a penalty with a deft chip down the middle after Olise was brought down in the area.
France kept pressing for more. Mbappé went close twice in quick succession, and Ekitike struck the post after being played through by Olise. Substitute Maghnes Akliouche also forced Trubin into a smart block moments after coming on.
Olise doubled France’s lead in the 76th minute with a composed finish on the turn, before Mbappé reacted quickest to a rebound in the 83rd minute to make it 3–0. Five minutes later, Ekitike capped the night with a precise low strike after combining neatly with Mbappé.
