Kylian Mbappe struck twice and Michael Olise impressed as France swept Ukraine 4-0 in a Group D clash to seal qualification for the 2026 World Cup on Thursday, reported Xinhua.
Didier Deschamps' reshaped lineup dominated possession but initially struggled to break Ukraine's defense at the Parc des Princes. Visiting goalkeeper Anatoliy Trubin kept the hosts at bay before the break, tipping Bradley Barcola's curler onto the post and blocking Mbappe's angled effort.
Shortly after halftime, referee Slavko Vincic waved away Ukrainian penalty appeals following a tangle between Dayot Upamecano and Yehor Nazaryna, with VAR confirming the defender had touched the ball. Minutes later, VAR intervened at the other end when Taras Mykhavko caught Olise in the box, allowing Mbappe to break the deadlock with a composed chip down the middle.
The goal shifted the match in France's favor. Olise doubled the advantage with a sharp turn and clinical low drive, before Mbappe reacted quickest to a loose ball to make it 3-0. Substitute Hugo Ekitike added a late fourth, also his first senior international goal.
Having already secured top spot in Group D, France will close out its campaign away to Azerbaijan on Sunday, while Ukraine next hosts Iceland, needing a victory to secure a playoff berth in March 2026.
Iceland moved into second place in the group with a 2-0 win over Azerbaijan through goals from Albert Gudmundsson and Sverrir Ingi Ingason.
Norway stayed on track for top spot in Group I with a 4-1 victory over Estonia, with Alexander Sorloth and Erling Haaland scoring twice each. Italy scored two late headers to beat Moldova 2-0.
In Group F, Troy Parrott netted a brace as Ireland beat 10-man Portugal 2-0, with Cristiano Ronaldo sent off around the hour mark. Hungary remained firmly in the race for qualification thanks to Barnabas Varga's goal in a 1-0 win over Armenia.
Also on Thursday, England eased past Serbia 2-0 in Group K, a result that eliminated the visitors after Albania's 1-0 win in Andorra.
- France
- World Cup
Source: www.dailyfinland.fi
