The 2026 World Cup qualifiers are underway, with six South American nations already securing direct qualification. Another team will join via the play-offs. Meanwhile, in Europe, most nations, including former world champions France, have begun their qualifying campaigns.

Yesterday (Friday), France faced Ukraine in Poland and secured a 2–0 victory, thanks to goals from Michael Olise and Kylian Mbappé.

Match Summary

• 10th Minute: Michael Olise opened the scoring for France. Receiving space in the box, he struck a low shot with his left foot, finding the net. This marks Olise’s fifth goal of the season across club and national team matches.
• 18th Minute: Mbappé attempted a powerful strike but was denied by the Ukrainian goalkeeper. Subsequent efforts by Olise and Mbappé were also unsuccessful in the first half.

After the break:

• Substitute Opportunity: Ousmane Dembélé came on but was similarly thwarted by the Ukrainian goalkeeper.
• 65th Minute: Ukraine nearly equalised with a header from Artem, but defender Ibrahima Konaté cleared it with a counter-header.
• Soon after, Ukraine’s misfortune continued as a header struck the post.
• 82nd Minute: Kylian Mbappé sealed the win. A pass from Aurélien Tchouaméni found him in the box, and he slotted a precise low shot past the goalkeeper. This was Mbappé’s 51st goal for France, placing him alongside Thierry Henry as France’s joint second-highest scorer. Olivier Giroud remains top with 57 goals.

Match Highlights

• France dominated possession with 56%, creating 16 chances and landing 6 shots on target.
• Ukraine managed 8 shots, 3 of which were on target, but failed to convert any opportunities.
• The combination of Olise and Mbappé proved decisive, demonstrating France’s attacking depth.

France’s victory against Ukraine sets a positive tone for the start of their European qualifying campaign, with momentum now firmly on their side as they aim for another World Cup appearance.

Source: Match reports and official statistics