France secure World Cup slot in style

France have qualified for the 2026 FIFA World Cup to be held in North America with a 4-0 win against Ukraine at the Parc des Princes on Thursday night.

All Deschamps men need is a victory to secure the automatic spot with a game to spare.

They had 10 points going into the game, leading the visitors by 3. Ukraine need a draw to at least secure the second spot ahead of the final qualifiers against Iceland, which had beaten Azerbaijan in the earlier kick-off.

Ukraine had defended compactly in the first half but got undone in the second through a brace from skipper Kylian Mbappé, goals from Michael Olise, and substitute Hugo Ekitike.

Mbappé put France in front from the penalty, and he delivered as expected, and he didn’t disappoint as the Real Madrid striker scored a Panenka penalty in the 55th minute, making it four goals in six games and his 54th goal, which put him six behind France’s all-time highest goal scorer, Olivier Giroud.

Although he struggled to make an impact in the first half, barely touching the ball in the opposition’s penalty area and losing 6 out of 7 duels, mbappé finally broke the deadlock for his teammates.

With this victory, France will travel to Azerbaijan on Sunday with high hopes, having scored at least two goals in each of their last eight matches.

This victory also brought smiles to the faces of French fans as tributes were paid for the 10th anniversary of the Paris attacks. 

There were few opportunities at the Parc des Princes in the first half, where Troubine saved a low shot from Mbappé in the 17th minute.

The goalie also stopped a Barcola strike that was heading for the side netting four minutes to the end of the half.

N’Golo Kanté, who was recalled into the team for the first time in a year, was the architect of this second goal as the goalkeeper could do nothing about Olise’s swivel shot that made it two.

Ekitike made an instant impact as he passed a final ball to mbappé for his brace after beating the goalie to the ball. The Liverpool striker then scored the fourth goal in the 88th minute, after an exchange with Mbappé from a run he started to cap off a successful night for Les Bleus.