France Secures Spot in Men’s World Cup with Victory Over Ukraine
France has clinched a spot in the Men’s World Cup, marking their eighth consecutive appearance in the prestigious tournament. This achievement followed a commanding 4-0 victory over Ukraine during the UEFA World Cup qualifiers.
Key Highlights from the Match
The match, held on October 12, showcased the brilliance of Kylian Mbappe, who scored twice in the second half. His two goals were complemented by contributions from Michael Olise and Hugo Ekitike.
Scoring Summary
- Kylian Mbappe – 55′ (Penalty), 83′
- Michael Olise – 76′
- Hugo Ekitike – 88′
This match also held emotional significance, as it took place on the tenth anniversary of the Paris attacks that claimed 130 lives. France’s performance solidified their dominance in Group D, where they currently stand with 13 points from five qualifying matches.
Qualifying Statistics
- France: 13 points from 5 games
- Lead over second-placed Iceland: 6 points
- Next match against Azerbaijan on October 15
Coach and Team Composition
This will be the final World Cup under head coach Didier Deschamps. The team lineup featured notable players including:
- Goalkeeper: Maignan
- Defenders: Kounde, Saliba, Upamecano, Digne
- Midfielders: Kante, Kone, Olise, Cherki
- Forward: Mbappe
France aims to enter the tournament, scheduled for June 11 to July 19, 2026, in the United States, Mexico, and Canada, with high aspirations.
Ukraine’s Performance
Ukraine, managed by coach Ruslan Rotan, faced a challenging defeat. Their lineup included players like Trubin, Karavaev, and Yaremchuk, who were unable to find the net against a strong French side.
The match was officiated by Slavko Vincic from Slovenia.
