France sealed their place at next summer’s FIFA World Cup with a commanding 4–0 victory over Ukraine in qualifying, ensuring Les Bleus will appear at the tournament for the eighth consecutive time.

After a cagey start, France quickly asserted control. Michael Olise tested Anatoliy Trubin from distance, while Taras Mykhavko and Roman Yaremchuk threw themselves in front of powerful efforts from Rayan Cherki and Manu Koné. Ukraine’s sloppy passing only increased France’s dominance, though Cherki’s curled effort flew off target as the hosts struggled to turn pressure into goals. The first half paused for a moving tribute marking the 10th anniversary of the 2015 Paris attacks.

Kylian Mbappé grew increasingly involved, forcing Trubin into a smart save from long range, while Cherki dragged another attempt wide. Koné’s late challenge on Yaremchuk earned him a booking in the 31st minute—ruling him out of the next match and adding tension to France’s midfield as Ukraine began to push forward more confidently.

Despite that, France continued to create chances. Bradley Barcola nearly broke the deadlock with a curling shot that Trubin brilliantly pushed onto the post. Ukraine then endured frustration at both ends early in the second half: appeals for a penalty after Dayot Upamecano’s challenge on Yehor Nazaryna were waved away, only for France to be awarded a spot-kick moments later when Mykhavko brought down Olise.

Mbappé made no mistake, chipping in a cool Panenka to open the scoring. The France captain threatened repeatedly afterward—dragging one shot wide, seeing another instinctive strike saved by Trubin, and having a third blocked by Mykhavko.

Didier Deschamps introduced Maghnes Akliouche and Hugo Ekitike from the bench, with Akliouche denied by Trubin before Ekitike struck the post. France soon doubled their lead when Olise, who had won the penalty earlier, latched onto N’Golo Kanté’s pass and punished a loose touch from Yehor Yarmolyuk with a precise finish.

With Ukraine tiring, France took full control. Trubin denied Ekitike again, but Mbappé was on hand to bundle in the rebound for France’s third. Moments later, Mbappé combined with Ekitike, setting up the Liverpool forward to score his first international goal and complete a dominant evening for Les Bleus.

The defeat ended Ukraine’s three-match unbeaten run and left them trailing Iceland on goal difference ahead of a decisive meeting between the two nations, with second place and a playoff berth hanging in the balance.