Mbappé Leads France to 2026 World Cup With Dominant Win Over Ukraine

France sealed their place at the 2026 World Cup with a commanding 4–0 victory over Ukraine on Thursday, a match played under the shadow of solemn tributes marking the 10th anniversary of the 2015 Paris attacks. Kylian Mbappé struck twice, while Michael Olise and Hugo Ekitike added one each to secure Les Bleus’ qualification with a game to spare.

Tributes Before Kick-Off

A minute’s silence was observed impeccably by the 41,000 spectators at the Parc des Princes, honouring the 130 victims of the coordinated attacks on November 13, 2015. While most casualties occurred at the Bataclan concert hall, one person died near the Stade de France as suicide bombers tried to enter during a friendly between France and Germany. Didier Deschamps, who coached France that night, remains in charge as he prepares for what will be his final tournament before stepping down after the 2026 finals.

France Secure Qualification With One Match Remaining

The win gives France an unassailable six-point lead over both Iceland and Ukraine in Group D, ensuring automatic qualification ahead of Sunday’s final group match in Azerbaijan. France, world champions in 2018 and runners-up in 2022, have now qualified for every World Cup since missing the 1994 edition.

Ukraine and Iceland will meet on Sunday in a decisive clash to determine who advances to March’s European play-offs.

Mbappé and Olise Shine in Paris

France entered the match after an uneven qualifying campaign, having dropped points only in last month’s draw in Iceland but struggling at times to find their usual rhythm. Against Ukraine, however, Mbappé and Olise delivered standout performances in front of a vibrant Paris crowd.

Bradley Barcola produced France’s best first-half chance with a curling strike tipped onto the frame of the goal. The breakthrough came shortly after the interval when Olise was brought down in the box, allowing Mbappé to chip home the opening goal from the penalty spot.

Olise—shifted into a more central role as the match progressed—took control of midfield proceedings. After setting up Ekitike to hit the post, the Bayern Munich midfielder turned smartly to fire in France’s second goal in the 76th minute.

Ukraine’s resistance faded, and France capitalised. Mbappé struck again in the 83rd minute after Ekitike’s initial effort was saved, moving the captain to 55 international goals—just two behind Olivier Giroud’s national scoring record of 57.

Ekitike, who had impressed throughout, earned his reward moments later by finishing off a flowing move to register his first senior international goal and complete France’s four-goal performance.

Looking Ahead

France will conclude their group campaign in Azerbaijan on Sunday before turning attention to the World Cup draw, scheduled for December 5 in Washington, DC. With qualification secured and Mbappé leading an in-form attack, Les Bleus move confidently toward North America aiming for another deep run on football’s biggest stage.