France sealed its ticket to the World Cup finals in triumphant fashion

France booked its tickets for the World Cup finals. secured qualification for the 2026 World Cup early, defeating Ukraine 4–0 at the “Parc des Princes.”

Mbappé and company needed only a simple win to achieve their goal, and they accomplished it with plenty to spare. After putting four past the visitors—who must now fight for 2nd place, where they are level on points with Iceland but with a far worse goal difference—they will need to beat Iceland on the final matchday to earn a second chance.

Ukraine knew earlier that Iceland’s win over Azerbaijan had made their task much harder. So they had to go all-in to get a positive result. For 55 minutes they managed it, but after that… the pitch tilted. Mbappé opened the scoring from the penalty spot after Olise was brought down by Mykhavko. The 2–0 came in the 76th minute when the visitors tried to build up from the back, France stole the ball, and Olise slotted it into the net.

Ekitiké had a chance for 3–0 in the 83rd minute, with the opposing goalkeeper making the save and Mbappé finishing from close range. Ekitiké eventually scored in the 88th minute, with France tearing apart Ukraine’s defense and the striker finishing from close range.