Led by a brilliant performance from Kylian Mbappé, France secured their place at the 2026 World Cup with a resounding 4-0 victory over Ukraine at the Parc des Princes. This win guarantees Les Bleus a spot in the tournament co-hosted by the United States, Mexico, and Canada, even before the end of the qualifying campaign.

The Mbappé signature.

While Didier Deschamps' men struggled to convert their sterile dominance into goals, captain Kylian Mbappé once again donned his savior's mantle. The turning point of the match came after the break: the striker audaciously converted a penalty (55th minute), awarded for a foul on Michael Olise, with a magnificent Panenka .

This first goal liberated Les Bleus and paved the way for qualification. The number 10 then sealed the score with a close-range finish (83rd minute), definitively securing his team's place at the World Cup. Scoring a decisive brace, Mbappé further cemented his status and moved closer to Olivier Giroud's goal record, now boasting 55 goals in 94 appearances .

1. Goal scorers of the evening:

1. Kylian Mbappé (55th, 83rd)
2. Michael Olise (76th)
3. Hugo Ekitike (88th minute)

Michael Olise (4th goal in 13 appearances) and Hugo Ekitike, who opened his international account, also shone and contributed to the offensive celebration.

Deschamps' record and the future

This victory ensures Didier Deschamps will participate in his seventh and final major finals as manager, having not missed a single tournament since his appointment in 2012. The 57-year-old manager can now savor his perfect record in qualifying.

The next match, a meaningless one on Sunday in Azerbaijan, will be an opportunity to give playing time to the substitutes. Deschamps can now focus on the ultimate goal: winning a third star for France before passing the torch, most likely to Zinedine Zidane , the overwhelming favorite to succeed him.

The draw to determine France's opponents in the first round will take place on December 5 in Washington.

An easy qualification, despite the adjustments.

Despite a series of injuries during the gatherings, the triumphant youth of the Blues made the quest for the 2026 World Cup relatively easy in a Group D within their reach (Ukraine, Iceland, Azerbaijan).

While the team looked sluggish at times during qualifying, they rediscovered their form against Ukraine. Mbappé's opening goal acted as a catalyst, allowing the attackers to unleash their full potential in the second half.

Despite a generally quiet performance from Rayan Cherki in his third appearance for the national team (in the absence of regulars Dembélé, Doué, and Thuram), Deschamps was able to rely on:

1. Bradley Barcola is in great form.
2. Hugo Ekitike was sharp after his entrance.
3. Michael Olise remains as valuable as ever.

Led by a great Mbappé, this new wave of talent represents a major asset for the coach with a view to 2026.