Compared to the previous match against Azerbaijan (2:1) a month ago, Serhiy Rebrov made six substitutions and chose a system with five defenders. The first half saw territorial dominance by the home team. The French had more possession of the ball, but the Ukrainians were focused near their own goalposts, keeping the opposition at bay.

Photo: Dan Balashov

On the 17th minute, Kylian Mbappé had a dangerous shot from outside the penalty area, but Trubin confidently cleared it to the corner. The most intense moment occurred near the end of the first half when Barklya dribbled right along the edge of the penalty box and scored in the far corner — the ball ricocheted off Trubin's gloves onto the crossbar.

Photo: Dan Balashov

Despite territorial and statistical dominance by the French (ten shots to none for Ukraine), the first half ended goalless.

Photo: Dan Balashov

At the start of the second half, Mykhalko carelessly fouled Olise in his own penalty area by stepping on his foot, resulting in a penalty kick for France. Captain Mbappé confidently outmaneuvered Trubin from the spot: he paused, waited until our goalkeeper moved to the left, and then shot straight down the middle.

Photo: Dan Balashov

The hosts continued to press and create opportunities. Trubin several times saved his team after shots from Mbappé and a one-on-one with Aklıuş. Another episode ended with a shot hitting the crossbar following Ekiteke's strike. On the 76th minute, high pressure by the French led to an interception near the penalty box: the ball fell to Olise who turned and delivered an accurate shot. Shortly after Mbappé scored his second goal, being first to react to Trubin’s save. Two minutes before the end of regular time Ekiteke sealed the final score — 4:0.

Photo: Dan Balashov

After five rounds, Ukraine's national team has seven points and occupies third place in the group. The next match for Rebrov’s charges will be on Sunday, November 16th at the Legia Stadium in Warsaw against Iceland (kickoff — 7 PM Kyiv time). A win is necessary for Ukraine to advance.

2026 World Cup Qualifiers. European Zone. Group D

France — Ukraine — 4:0 (0:0)

Goals: Mbappé (55, from the penalty spot, 83), Olise (76), Ekiteke (88).

France: Ménard, Koundé (Gusto, 89), Saliba, Upamecano, Digne, Kanté, Koné (Zaïr-Elmeis, 80), Olise (Nkunku, 89), Cherki (Aklıuş, 68), Barklya (Ekiteke, 67), Mbappé (c).

Substitutes: Samba, Chevalier, K. Thuram, Konaté, Mateta, L. Hernández, T. Hernández.

Captain: Didier Deschamps.

Ukraine: Trubin, Karavaev, Svynok, Zabarny (c), Mykhalko (Zubkov, 75), Mykhailichenko, Nazarina, Ocheretnyk (Shaparenko, 64), Yarmoluk (Voloshyn, 85), Hutsulak (Vana, 64), Yamchuk (Tsygankov, 75).

Substitutes: Volynec', Ryzhnik, Konoplya, Bondar, Kalyuzhnyi, Mykolenko, Sudakov.

Captain: Serhiy Rebrov.

Yellow cards: Koné (31) — Mykhalko (54), Yarmoluk (74).

Referee: Slavko Vinčić (Slovenia).

November 13. Paris. Parc des Princes Stadium.

Azerbaijan — Iceland — 0:2

Tournament Table