Kylian Mbappe shines with brace as Hugo Ekitike scores first goal in France’s 2026 World Cup qualification win over Ukraine
Hugo Ekitike made a memorable debut for France, while Kylian Mbappe netted two goals as Les Bleus cruised past Ukraine to secure qualification for the 2026 World Cup.
The French side struggled in the first half, but a dominant final 35 minutes completely dismantled Ukraine’s fragile defence.
With four wins and a single draw, Didier Deschamps’ squad has accumulated 13 points out of a possible 15, showing near-total control in their qualifying campaign.
France next game will be at the USA
On November 13, before a ball was even kicked at the Parc des Princes, a minute of silence honored the victims of the tragic Paris attacks ten years ago.
It was a sobering reminder that football can pause to reflect on greater events, and the silence underscored the respect and unity of players and fans alike.
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Gunmen opened fire on cafe terraces and at the Bataclan concert hall, resulting in the deaths of 132 people and injuring over 352 more.
Against such sombre setting, France onto the pitch for their 2026 World Cup qualifying match, hoping to win easily and guarantee their spot in the main tournament of the following summer. It was one-way traffic from the first whistle.
Before halftime, France had 21 touches inside the box, dominated the majority of the possession, and pinned Ukraine back.
However, the score remained unyielding. Mbappe’s low left-footer in the 17th minute gave them their first real chance of the game, but Ukrainian goalkeeper Anatoliy Trubin equalised it.
Cherki tried his luck from a distance before the half-hour mark, but the keeper was not troubled.
Manu Kone mistimed a challenge on Roman Yaremchuk, earning a yellow and eliminating himself from France’s upcoming qualifier in Azerbaijan as frustration began to set in.
Barcola curled a peach into the top corner four minutes before halftime, and Trubin made another incredible leap to claw it out.
France was incensed as the teams made their way to the tunnel because Ukraine’s low barrier was a stronghold they were unable to overcome.
Drama began to develop in the second half after a lacklustre first. Yehor Nazaryna was caught in France’s box by Dayot Upamecano’s high foot in the 50th minute.
After giving it a thorough examination, VAR instructed Slavko Vincic, the referee, to approach the screen. Vincic was observed having lengthy conversations with the VAR officials.
Following a thorough examination, he concluded that the offence was not serious enough to result in a penalty.
Vincic was positive it was a stonewall penalty when Taras Mykhavko clattered directly onto Olise’s left foot four minutes later. Mbappe stepped up, and as the goalie dove to his left, the striker scored from the spot with a cheeky Panenka.
France pressed for the insurance goal after breaking the impasse without considering taking their foot off the gas pedal.
Ukraine was under constant pressure, and Olise extended France’s lead with a clinical finish after a precise pass from N’Golo Kante.
Ukraine was under constant pressure, and Olise extended France’s lead with a clinical finish after a precise pass from N’Golo Kante.
Once that goal went in, the floodgates opened, as weary Ukrainian defenders struggled to match the relentless pace of the hosts.
Mbappe then scored the third goal, capitalizing on a fortunate rebound after Ekitike’s initial shot was blocked by Trubin.
To cap off a stellar performance, Liverpool forward Ekitike netted his first international goal in the 88th minute, sending the Parc des Princes into jubilant celebration.
I think, it was the kind of dominant display that shows just how dangerous France can be when they are playing at their best.
Without a doubt, Mbappe was the man of the match. The Real Madrid attacker was quiet in the first half but came to life after striking from 12 yards out.
Despite Ukraine’s five-man defensive formation, his pairing with Olise was just unstoppable as they found openings.
Mbappe is getting close to Olivier Giroud at the top of France’s all-time goalscoring record thanks to his two goals, which bring him to 55 international goals. In addition, he scored 400 goals in his career—an incredible accomplishment for the 2018 World Cup victor.
Serhiy Rebrov, the manager of Ukraine, had the perfect strategy in the first half, but after going behind, everything fell apart spectacularly. The defensive block suddenly become too porous, and he had no backup plan.
