Mbappe Brace Fires France Into 2026 World Cup

France World Cup qualification was secured in emphatic style as Les Bleus overpowered Ukraine 4-0 at the Parc des Princes, highlighted by a brilliant Kylian Mbappe brace and Hugo Ekitike’s first international goal. The victory cements France’s place at the 2026 World Cup and showcases their dominance in European qualifying.

France World Cup Qualification: A Night of Triumph

France World Cup qualification was the mission as Didier Deschamps’ side took to the pitch in Paris, striving to secure their ticket to the USA in 2026. The evening began on a somber note, with a minute’s silence honoring the victims of the November 13 Paris attacks ten years prior, a poignant reminder of the resilience of both the city and the national team.

From the opening whistle, France asserted their authority, dominating possession and relentlessly pressuring the Ukrainian defense. Yet, despite 21 touches in the opposition box before the break, Les Bleus were frustrated by a solid Ukrainian backline and the heroics of goalkeeper Anatoliy Trubin. Mbappe and Cherki both went close, but the breakthrough remained elusive, and the first half ended goalless.

Mbappe Brace and Ekitike Shine in Second Half Surge

The second half saw France ramp up the tempo. In the 50th minute, controversy struck as Dayot Upamecano’s high boot in the box was reviewed by VAR but ultimately not penalized. Just four minutes later, France’s fortune shifted when Taras Mykhavko fouled Olise in the area. The referee wasted no time pointing to the spot, and Mbappe confidently converted with a cheeky Panenka, igniting the crowd and breaking the deadlock.

With the pressure lifted, France’s attack flowed freely. Olise doubled the lead, latching onto a superb pass from N’Golo Kanté before firing past Trubin. The Ukrainian defense, resilient in the first half, began to crumble under relentless French pressure.

Mbappe added his second and France’s third, pouncing on a rebound after Ekitike’s effort was parried. The Paris Saint-Germain star’s brace brings his international tally to 55 and inches him closer to Olivier Giroud’s all-time record for Les Bleus.

Hugo Ekitike Opens His Account

The night was capped off with a special moment for Hugo Ekitike, who scored his debut goal for France in the 88th minute. The Liverpool forward calmly slotted home, sealing a comprehensive 4-0 victory and his place in the national team’s future plans.

Kylian Mbappe: The Star of France World Cup Qualification

Mbappe, now a Real Madrid star, was instrumental in France World Cup qualification. After a muted first half, his clinical finishing and partnership with Olise proved too much for Ukraine’s defense to contain. His two goals on the night also marked his 400th career goal, a testament to his extraordinary talent at just 26 years old.

Ukraine’s Resistance Fades

Ukraine, under manager Serhiy Rebrov, executed a disciplined defensive strategy in the first half, frustrating France with a compact formation and timely saves by Trubin. However, after conceding the penalty, their resolve crumbled. Without a Plan B, Ukraine could not withstand France’s onslaught after falling behind.

Deschamps’ Near-Perfect Campaign

Didier Deschamps has masterminded a near-flawless qualifying campaign, with his side taking 13 points from a possible 15. France World Cup qualification has rarely looked in doubt, and the team’s depth and attacking flair are evident with contributions from both established stars and emerging talents like Ekitike.

Looking Ahead: France Set for USA 2026

With this result, France’s place at the 2026 World Cup is secured. Attention now turns to the remaining qualifiers, where Deschamps can rotate his squad and fine-tune his tactics ahead of next summer’s showpiece in the USA.

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Opinion: France Are Clear Title Contenders

France World Cup qualification was always expected, but the style and depth on display against Ukraine reinforce their status as genuine contenders for the trophy in 2026. With Mbappe at his peak, emerging talents stepping up, and Deschamps’ tactical acumen, Les Bleus will be a formidable force in the USA. If this performance is anything to go by, France’s ambitions extend far beyond just qualifying—they have their sights set on lifting the trophy once again.