France secured their spot for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. A Kylian Mbappe brace helped Didier Deschamps’s side defeat Ukraine 4-0 at Parc des Princes. The victory guarantees France a place in the tournament after reaching the finals in the last two editions. They won the title in 2018 and lost in 2022 to Argentina.
This victory confirms France’s place in their 17th FIFA World Cup and eighth consecutive tournament since 1998.
Mbappe shines for France in Ukraine rout
After a goalless first half, it was Mbappe who scored his side’s opener. The Real Madrid forward scored with a penalty kick in the 55th minute, showing his trademark confidence. Thereafter, Bayern Munich’s Michael Olise made it 2-0 in the 76th minute. Olise’s left-footed strike was assisted by veteran N’Golo Kante.
Mbappe added a third in 83rd minute with a clinical finish, sending the home crowd into raptures. He then set up Hugo Ekitike, whose low shot in the 88th minute completed the rout.
France dominate their group
Under the guidance of coach Didier Deschamps, France have dominated Group D, which also include Ukraine, Iceland, and Azerbaijan. With one more game to play, France remain unbeaten with 4 wins and a draw. They own 13 points and their goal difference is +10.
What about the match stats?
France clocked 25 attempts against Ukraine and had 10 shots on target. Ukraine failed to clock a shot on target and had only 1 attempt. Mbappe’s France had 47 touches in the opposition box and earned 7 corners. They also had more than 70% ball possession.
Mbappe races to 400 career goals which includes 55 for France
As per Opta, Mbappe scored his 399th and 400th senior career goals. He also reached the 100 & 300 milestones with France, against Andorra in June 2019 and Gibraltar in November 2023.
Meanwhile, Mbappe owns 55 international goals for France. The remaining of his 345 goals have come at the club level for Monaco, PSG and Real Madrid.
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