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Mbappé Brace Seals France's 2026 World Cup Qualification With 4-0 Win Over Ukraine

Attention shifts to the Dec. 5 group draw in Washington, with preparations for the expanded World Cup in the United States, Mexico and Canada.

Overview

  • Kylian Mbappé converted a second‑half penalty and added a late second, with Michael Olise and Hugo Ekitike—scoring his first for France—completing the rout at the Parc des Princes.
  • N'Golo Kanté returned as a starter and impressed in midfield, providing a key pass for Olise and helping steady a youthful attack missing several regulars.
  • The match featured formal commemorations on the 10th anniversary of the Nov. 13, 2015 attacks, including a minute of silence and tributes in the stadium.
  • France is qualified for an eighth straight World Cup and will be seeded for the draw; Sunday’s trip to Azerbaijan is now a no‑stakes fixture likely to offer minutes to squad players.
  • Mbappé moved to 55 goals in 94 caps and reached 400 career goals, as Didier Deschamps begins planning for a seventh finals that some reports suggest could be his last in charge.