Destroying Ukraine 4-0, France Qualifies For The 2026 World Cup

JAKARTA - France is following Britain as the next European team to qualify for the 2026 World Cup. France sealed tickets to the United States, Canada and Mexico after destroying Ukraine 4-0 in the Group D qualifying match at the Parc des Princes Stadium, Friday, November 14, 2025 in the morning WIB.

France had to work hard before overcoming Ukraine's resistance. How not, Ukraine put up a tight fight throughout the first half. Even France failed to break into the opponent's goal altogether and a goalless draw in the first 45 minutes.

France finally overcome the deadlock in the second half. Captain Kylian Mbappe started Les Bleus' goal from the penalty spot in the 58th minute. Next, the Real Madrid forward alternated with Michael Olise and Hugo Ekitike breaking into the Ukraine goal.

The victory made France unstoppable on its way to America. They confirmed their position at the top of the standings by pocketing the 13th point.

France is already six points ahead with Iceland and Ukraine. With one more game remaining, France could no longer be chased by its competitors and followed England who had already qualified for the 2026 World Cup.

Meanwhile, Ukraine and Iceland are competing for second place to get tickets to the final through the playoffs. Iceland itself is in second place after beating Azerbaijan 2-0 to lead the goal difference with Ukraine.

The match itself began with a moment of silence over the tragedy of the attack in Paris on November 14, 2015. In the suicide bombing, 130 people watched a concert at the Bataclan Building.

At the same time there was also the threat of a suicide bombing ahead of France's test match against Germany at the Stade de France.

Appearing in front of its own supporters, France actually took the initiative to attack. Only the offensive game of Didier Deschamps' team broke through Ukraine's solid defense.

Bradley Barcola's best chance of breaking into Ukraine's goal was to cross the end of the first half. But his shot was still parried and only resulted in a corner.

Mbappe finally managed to break the deadlock when France was awarded a penalty in the 55th minute. The penalty was given after Taras defender Mykhavko committed a foul for dropping Olise in a restricted area. Mbappe completed the penalty.

Winning 1-0 made France even more excited to suppress Ukraine's defense. As a result, the hosts increased their lead after Olise, who played an important role in the team's game, scored in the 76th minute.

The score changed to 2-0 which made Ukraine helpless. Moreover, there was no dangerous attack from Serhiy Rebrov's troops.

Even France could still add goals after Mbappe scored a brace. In the 83rd minute, Mbappe's close-range shot brought France 3-0 up.

Now, Mbappe has collected 55 goals and only needs two more goals to match Olivier Giroud's goal record, which is the top scorer in the history of the French national team.

Furthermore, Ethics solidified and ended the French goal party. This Liverpool striker listed his name on the scoreboard after completing Mbappe's assist in 88 minutes. The score changed 4-0 for France and lasted until the game was over.