Overview
- A win against Ukraine at the Parc des Princes on Thursday, 13 November, would secure France's qualification for the 2026 World Cup in the United States, Canada and Mexico.
- Didier Deschamps confirmed that N'Golo Kanté will start, citing his form and experience, including increased minutes this season in the Asian Champions League.
- The coach said absences across September to November have limited the team's ability to rehearse automatisms, urging focus on sealing qualification before looking to March.
- Rayan Cherki returns from injury to the France squad, with his move to Manchester City drawing praise from Pep Guardiola and Erling Haaland and raising expectations for his impact.
- Deschamps invoked the cautionary memory of the 1993 Bulgaria defeat and the galvanizing 2013 comeback against Ukraine as psychological markers for preparation.