France booked their spot at the 2026 World Cup with an explosive second-half display, overcoming a stubborn Ukraine side after a cagey opening 45 minutes in which neither team could find a breakthrough.

The match came alive shortly after the interval when Michael Olise drew a foul inside the penalty area, giving the hosts a chance to finally open the scoring. Kylian Mbappé, leading the line for France, stepped up with trademark composure and executed a delicate Panenka, sending the ball straight down the centre as goalkeeper Anatoliy Trubin dived to his right.

The decision added to Ukraine’s frustration, especially after they felt they should have been awarded a penalty of their own moments earlier. Following a challenge by Dayot Upamecano inside the French box, referee Slavko Vinčić initially allowed play to continue. The VAR recommended a review, but after consulting the pitch-side monitor, Vinčić upheld his original call, much to the visitors’ disappointment.

France quickly built on their momentum. Mbappé looked hungry for more, twice threatening to double his tally before Olise produced a crisp finish to give the hosts some breathing room.

In the closing minutes, Mbappé cemented his dominance with a second goal from close range—an effort that marked the 400th strike of his club and international career. The brace also moved him to 55 goals for France, edging him nearer to Olivier Giroud’s national scoring record of 57.

The night ended with a moment of personal significance for Hugo Ekitike. With time running out, Mbappé unselfishly squared the ball for the Liverpool forward, who coolly slotted his finish through Trubin’s legs to claim his first senior goal for France.

It was a resounding finish from Didier Deschamps’ side, whose clinical second-half performance secured their passage to the 2026 World Cup in commanding fashion.