Mbappe Lights Up Paris as France Seal 2026 World Cup Bit by Bit in a 4-0 Victory Over Ukraine

Match Overview

France clinched their place in the 2026 World Cup by routing Ukraine 4-0 at the Parc des Princes, extending their long-standing World Cup streak and signaling their intent for the next tournament in the United States, Canada, and Mexico.

Key Moments

The home side hit the ground running, but it took until the second half for the decisive goals to arrive. Kylian Mbappe struck twice, demonstrating why he is one of the game’s foremost attackers, and he also played a part in one of the other goals as France began to press in earnest after the break.

Hugo Ekitike added another, while Michael Olise found the net as France built a comfortable lead. The result left France on 13 points at the summit of Group D, well clear of the competition as they moved closer to sealing qualification.

Didier Deschamps named a strong starting XI, with Mike Maignan in goal and a backline featuring Jules KoundE9, Dayot Upamecano, William Saliba, and others. Ukraine, coached by Serhiy Rebrov, pushed forward to stem the tide but were unable to trouble the French defense in the second period.

France’s attack, while patient, exploited the spaces as the game opened, and the hosts’ pressing ensured Ukraine spent long periods defending deep in their own half. The referee’s whistle confirmed the result, and the celebrations began on a chilly Paris night.

Looking ahead, France will face Azerbaijan in their final group game, a matchup described as a chance to rest key men and give minutes to squad players and young prospects amid a packed schedule.

Punchline corner: If patience is a virtue, Mbappe just proved it by turning a quiet spell into a show-stopping finish. Punchline two: Ukraine brought a bottle of defense; France brought the spice rack—and Mbappe brought the fireworks.