Mbappé brace sends France to 2026 World Cup

Two-time world champions France will take part in the tournament for the 17th time / Photo: Uefa.com

On Nov. 13, France’s national football team swept Ukraine 4-0 at the Parc des Princes (Kylian Mbappé 55’ (P), 83’; Michael Olise 76’; Hugo Ekitke 88’), thereby securing a spot at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

The UEFA World Cup qualifying group stage is entering its decisive phase. According to the regulations, only the group winners qualify directly for the World Cup. The runners-up will get a second chance in the playoffs.

The first European team to clinch a place at the tournament in the U.S., Canada and Mexico was England. On Nov. 13, France followed suit, booking their ticket to the World Cup for the 17th time.

France spent 54 minutes unsuccessfully trying to unlock Ukraine’s defense. After the clear penalty converted by Kylian Mbappé, the visitors did not give up. Only in the closing stages — thanks to Bayern Munich’s Michael Olise, Mbappé and Liverpool’s Hugo Ekitke — was the victory secured, along with their World Cup berth.

Ukraine head coach Serhiy Rebrov fielded a reserve squad, effectively accepting the defeat in advance. The point is that Ukraine will face Iceland in Warsaw on Nov. 16 — a match they must win to reach the playoff.

Rebrov’s team could have played Azerbaijan; however, the Azerbaijani side was defeated 2-0 by Iceland. Fiorentina’s Albert Guðmundsson opened the scoring in the 20th minute and Panathinaikos’ Sverrir Ingi Ingason doubled the lead in the 39th.

The 2026 FIFA World Cup will be hosted by the U.S., Canada and Mexico from June 11 to July 19. It will be the first edition featuring 48 national teams representing six confederations.

The participation quotas are as follows: 16 for Europe, 9.5 for Africa, 8.5 for Asia, 6.5 each for CONMEBOL and CONCACAF and 1.5 for Oceania. The decimals indicate spots allocated through intercontinental playoffs.

The 2026 FIFA World Cup draw is scheduled for Dec. 5, 2025, in Washington, D.C.

Previously, FIFA unveiled the official match ball and mascots for the tournament.