France secured their spot at the 2026 World Cup with a dominant 4-0 victory over Ukraine in Paris. Kylian Mbappe scored twice, including a Panenka penalty, while Michael Olise and Hugo Ekitike added the other goals. The win came in the penultimate group stage match, topping Group D.
France clinched qualification for the expanded 2026 FIFA World Cup by thrashing Ukraine 4-0 at Parc des Princes on November 13, 2025. Les Bleus, who entered the match three points ahead in Group D, dominated after a goalless first half where they controlled possession but were denied by Ukraine goalkeeper Anatoliy Trubin. Ukraine offered little threat, registering zero shots before the break.
The second half turned decisive early. In the 55th minute, debutant Taras Mykhavko fouled Michael Olise in the penalty area, leading to a spot-kick. Mbappe converted with a cheeky Panenka down the middle for his 51st international goal, bringing him closer to Olivier Giroud's record. The goal sparked France's attack, and Olise doubled the lead in the 76th minute, swiveling to finish a pass from N’Golo Kante.
Mbappe then netted his second—and 400th career goal—in the 83rd minute from close range after Hugo Ekitike's nudge, moving to 52 goals for France and surpassing Thierry Henry's tally. Ekitike capped the scoring in the 88th minute, sliding home a return pass from Mbappe for his first international goal. France outshot Ukraine 17-0 with an expected goals value of 3.5.
Post-match, Mbappe expressed pride: “Pride. You should never take it for granted; today it’s becoming normal, but it wasn’t always the case in the history of the French national team.” He added, “Of course we’re going there to win, like all 48 other teams. It’s a dream to be able to put the third star on the French national team jersey.”
France's qualifying campaign included wins over Ukraine (2-0), Iceland (2-1), and Azerbaijan (3-0), plus a 2-2 draw in Iceland. The top of each European group advances directly, with the tournament set for June 11 to July 19, 2026, in the USA, Canada, and Mexico.
