France qualified for the 2026 World Cup after a commanding 4-0 win over Ukraine, led by a brace from Kylian Mbappé.
France secured their place at the 2026 World Cup after defeating Ukraine 4-0 on Thursday in Paris, according to a report from FRANCE 24. Kylian Mbappé scored twice, while Michael Olise and Hugo Ekitike also found the net on a night marked by tributes to the victims of the 2015 Paris attacks.
A minute’s silence was held at the Parc des Princes before kickoff as France commemorated the 10th anniversary of the attacks in which 130 people were killed, including one victim near the Stade de France during a friendly match. Didier Deschamps, who coached the team during the 2015 incident, remains in charge and is set to step down after the upcoming World Cup.
Mbappé opened the scoring early in the second half with a chipped penalty after Olise was fouled in the box. Olise later doubled the lead with a driven effort after moving into a central role. Mbappé added his second in the 83rd minute, bringing his international tally to 55, two short of Olivier Giroud’s record of 57.
Ekitike then scored his first senior international goal to complete the victory, giving France an unassailable lead in Group D with one match remaining. Ukraine and Iceland will now compete for a play-off spot.