The team began their 2026 World Cup qualifying journey with a strong performance. They defeated Ukraine 2–0 in Wroclaw. The team took the lead early and sealed the win late. France now holds a confident position in Group D. The team faces Iceland next.
Michael Olise scored in the 10th minute, tapping in a pass from Bradley Barcola. Kylian Mbappé scored again in the 82nd minute after a quick counterattack initiated by Aurélien Tchouaméni. This goal was Mbappé’s 51st for France, tying Thierry Henry’s national scoring record.
The team dominated much of the game with fluid movement and strong midfield play. Ukraine pushed back after halftime, nearly scoring when Illia Zabarnyi hit the post. Despite the pressure, France stayed composed and held firm.
Injuries affected the match flow. Both Ousmane Dembélé and Désiré Doué had to leave the field. Dembélé aggravated a thigh injury, while Hugo Ekitike made his first appearance for the national team to replace him. Coach Didier Deschamps called up Ekitike after Rayan Cherki was sidelined with a thigh problem.
France now leads Group D, which also includes Iceland and Azerbaijan. Their next game is a home fixture against Iceland in Paris.
Kylian Mbappé remains a key figure. His latest goal set him level with Thierry Henry as France’s second-highest scorer.
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