France Clinches a Spot in the 2026 World Cup
France, the 2018 World Cup champions and 2022 finalists, secured their place in the 2026 World Cup in North America by thumping Ukraine 4-0 at the Parc des Princes in Paris. The match, which held no significance for the French team, allowed their coach to give playing time to less frequent players.
The Road to Qualification
For a considerable part of the game, France struggled to break through Ukraine’s defensive setup. However, they eventually opened the scoring with a penalty converted by Kylian Mbappé in the 55th minute.
- Mbappé (55′) – Penalty
- Michael Olise (76′) – Goal
- Mbappé (83′) – Goal
- Hugo Ekitike (88′) – Goal
These goals ensured not only a victory but also France’s qualification before the final round of European World Cup qualifiers.
Upcoming Friendly Match in Azerbaijan
The match against Azerbaijan on Sunday will offer France’s coach, Didier Deschamps, the opportunity to field less regular players. The 57-year-old coach can now prepare for his seventh and final phase (between Eurocopa and World Cups) since being appointed in 2012.
Tribute to November 13 Victims
Before passing the baton, likely to Zinedine Zidane, a strong favorite for his successor, Deschamps aims to add another star to the French jersey.
“We believe it’s always simple and logical for France to qualify, but there are adversaries. We did what needed to be done; there’s a lot of pride in the group and technical staff,” Deschamps commented during a press conference.
Deschamps will keep an eye on the draw in Washington on December 5, which will determine the twelve groups of four teams each.
Remembering November 13 Victims
Prior to the Ukraine match, the Parc des Princes hosted a tribute to the victims of the November 13, 2015 attacks in Saint-Denis and Paris. These attacks resulted in 132 deaths and 350 injuries.
- Minute of silence before the match start
- At the 13th minute, spectators illuminated their mobile phones
- A banner displaying the French flag’s colors unfurled in the stands
- The crowd sang “La Marseillaise”
French players and the technical staff wore the insignia of the Fundation du Bleuet, which supports veterans, war victims, and their families.
“We are very happy, but we need to remain as sober as possible because the event of the day wasn’t about us,” Mbappé said, expressing gratitude to “all those who lost loved ones – parents, children, siblings” and emphasizing the team’s emotional solidarity with them.
