The starting pressure led to a quick goal. By the 10th minute, the French had played out a vertical combination: Olise received a comfortable pass from Barkero and outmaneuvered Trubin — 0:1. Before halftime, the tricolors held an advantage in play, with nine shots overall and three corner kicks, but Trubin was flawless.

Photo: Dan Balashov

The Ukrainian team tried to create opportunities in counterattacks and from set pieces. However, neither of the two corner kicks taken in the first half resulted in a goal.

At the start of the second half, Ukraine played more aggressively on their opponent's side of the field. Wing players switched positions, confusing defenders. It was precisely on the left flank that the first truly goal-scoring combination emerged: Zubkov passed with his fifth to Zinchenko, who then delivered a cross. Dovbik attempted to head it in — the ball flew towards the far corner but Konate managed to clear it from the line.

Photo: Dan Balashov

Just a minute after a set piece from Sudakov, Zabarnyi had an opportunity to score: he headed the ball towards goal but it hit the post!

The French came close with Dembélé (his shot was saved by Trubin) and Barkero (he missed over the crossbar). And on the 82nd minute, captain of the tricolors Kylian Mbappé made his mark: taking advantage of a vertical pass from his half, he cut inside to the right and scored precisely in the corner — 0:2. This score held until full time. Ukraine started their qualifying campaign with a loss.

Photo: Dan Balashov

Reminder, Ukraine's next match in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers will be against Azerbaijan in Baku on September 9 (kickoff at 19:00 Kyiv time).

World Cup-2026 Qualifiers. Group D

Ukraine — France — 0:2 (0:1)

Goals: Olise (10), Mbappé (82).

Ukraine: Trubin, Konoplia, Zabarnyi, Matviyenko (c), Zinchenko (Voloshyn, 87), Kaluzhnyi, Zubkov (Nazarenko, 76), Yarmoluk (Ocheretko, 82), Sudakov (Bondarenko, 82), Hutsulak, Dovbik (Vanut, 76).

Substitutes: Bushchan, Riznyk, Mikhavko, Svatos, Bondar, Shaparenko, Mykhailichenko.

Coach: Serhiy Rebrov.

France: Maignan, Koundé, Konaté (Gusto, 90+2), Upamecano, Digne, Kone, Chouamene, Barkero (Rabio, 76), Olise (Aklıuş, 90+2), Doue (Dembélé, 46, Ekiteke, 81), Mbappé (c).

Substitutes: Samba, Chevalier, Pavard, K. Türam,  M. Türam, L. Hernández, T. Hernández.

Coach: Didier Deschamps.

Referee: Danny Makkelie (Netherlands).

September 5. Wrocław. "Tychy Arena Wrocław"

Standings