Kylian Mbappé struck twice and Liverpool’s Hugo Ekitike netted his first goal for France as Les Bleus clinched their spot at the 2026 World Cup with a commanding win over Ukraine.
After a cagey, goalless first half, France exploded into life after the break. The breakthrough came when Michael Olise was brought down in the box, earning the hosts a penalty.
Real Madrid forward Mbappé coolly converted, dinking his effort down the middle as goalkeeper Anatoliy Trubin dived aside.
Ukraine had reason to feel frustrated; moments earlier they believed they might receive a penalty of their own. Referee Slavko Vinčić initially waved play on after Dayot Upamecano’s challenge in the area. Though VAR advised a review, he ultimately upheld his original decision.
Mbappé nearly doubled his tally twice before Olise drilled in France’s second, settling any lingering nerves.
The captain then grabbed his brace late on, tapping in his 400th career goal and moving to 55 goals for France—just two shy of Olivier Giroud’s national record of 57.
With two minutes left, Mbappé unselfishly squared the ball for Ekitike, who slotted confidently through Trubin’s legs to claim his first international goal and cap off a dominant French display.
