Overview
- Kickoff is 6 p.m. local time in Oslo, and France can secure early passage with a win over Ukraine combined with a favorable outcome in the later Czech Republic–Norway match.
- With points carrying into the main round in Denmark, banking victories now is vital before Monday’s meeting with co-host Norway.
- Coach Guillaume Gille must navigate absences after Nedim Remili’s late withdrawal and as Minne remains a doubt following a knock sustained against the Czechs.
- Ukraine, a young team still seeking its first Euro win after falling 39-22 to Norway, plays with added emotion as the squad remembers former national player Serhiy Chupryna, killed in 2023.
- Ukraine’s Ihor Turchenko scored five against Norway and is set to join Nantes next season after a productive spell at Limoges.