France Secures 2026 World Cup Spot with Dominant Win Over Ukraine
Kylian Mbappe scored twice, including a Panenka penalty, while Liverpool's Hugo Ekitike netted his first goal for France, helping the team secure a spot in the 2026 World Cup with a commanding victory over Ukraine.
After a scoreless first half, the hosts unleashed a flurry of goals in the second period, starting with a penalty awarded for a foul on Michael Olise inside the box.
Real Madrid striker Mbappe took the penalty, executing a cheeky chipped shot down the middle as goalkeeper Anatoliy Trubin dived to one side.
Ukraine had reason to feel aggrieved just moments earlier when they believed they should have been awarded a penalty. After initially allowing play to continue following a challenge by Dayot Upamecano, referee Slavko Vincic was prompted by the video assistant referee (VAR) to review the incident but ultimately upheld his original decision.
Mbappe came close to adding to his tally before Olise found the net, providing France with some breathing room.
In the closing stages, Mbappe scored his second goal of the match from close range, marking the 400th goal of his career and bringing his international tally to 55, just two shy of Olivier Giroud's all-time France record of 57.
With two minutes remaining, Mbappe displayed selflessness by setting up Ekitike, who finished clinically through the goalkeeper's legs, marking his debut goal for the national team.
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