Ukraine’s national team dropped to third place in their 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers after a heavy defeat in Paris. Under Serhiy Rebrov, the Ukrainians were outplayed by a dominant France side, leaving everything to be decided in their final match against Iceland in Warsaw.

From the moment the lineups were announced, it became clear that Rebrov had prioritized the upcoming decisive fixture. Opting for a back three, he rested several regular starters and relied on a more defensive setup against Didier Deschamps’ star-studded squad.

The result, however, spoke volumes. According to UEFA statistics, Ukraine managed only three attacking moves and a single shot on target throughout the entire match. France, by contrast, fired off 25 attempts, scoring four times — and it could have been more if not for an excellent performance from goalkeeper Anatoliy Trubin, who produced several crucial saves. One of his finest moments came just before halftime, denying a curling effort from Bradley Barcola that seemed destined for the top corner. Despite constant French pressure, the first half somehow ended goalless.

The resistance finally broke in the 53rd minute. Defender Mykhailo Mykhavko tripped Michael Olise inside the penalty area, and the referee pointed to the spot. Kylian Mbappé stepped up and coolly converted in Panenka style — a fitting tribute as that iconic technique approaches its 50th anniversary next year. From that moment, France took full control. Ukraine switched to a two-center-back formation, but the change only made life easier for the hosts, who struck three more times in the final quarter-hour.

Mbappé added a second goal to complete his brace, while Olise and Hugo Ekitike each found the net once. The victory secured France’s top spot in the group and their qualification for the 2026 World Cup.

For Ukraine, all hopes now rest on the upcoming showdown with Iceland in Warsaw. A win there is the only way to keep their World Cup dream alive — and they’ll need to summon their very best to make it happen.

FIFA World Cup 2026, Qualifiers

France - Ukraine 4:0 (0:0)
Goals: Mbappé, 55 (penalty) (1:0); Olise, 76 (2:0); Mbappé, 83 (3:0); Ekitike, 88 (4:0)

France: Maignan; Saliba; Digne; Upamecano; Kounde (Gusto, 89); Koné M. (Zaire-Emery, 80); Olise (Nkunku, 89); Kante N.; Cherki (Akliouche, 67); Mbappé; Barcola B. (Ekitike, 67)
Substitution: Akliouche (from 67); Ekitike (from 67); Zaire-Emery (from 80); Gusto (from 89); Nkunku (from 89)
Bench: Samba B.; Chevalier L.; Theo Hernández; Konate; Lucas Hernandez; Thuram K.; Mateta
Yellow Cards: Koné M. 31

Ukraine: Trubin; Svatok; Zabarnyi; Karavayev; Mykhavko (Zubkov, 75); Mikhaylichenko B.; Nazaryna; Ocheretko (Shaparenko, 64); Yarmoliuk (Voloshyn N., 85); Yaremchuk (Tsygankov, 75); Hutsuliak (Vanat, 64)
Substitution: Vanat (from 64); Shaparenko (from 64); Tsygankov (from 75); Zubkov (from 75); Voloshyn N. (from 85)
Bench: Volynets; Riznyk D.; Konoplya; Bondar V.; Mykolenko; Kaliuzhnyi; Sudakov
Yellow Cards: Mykhavko 54; Yarmoliuk 74