Kylian Mbappe will lead France as they aim to secure a spot in the 2026 World Cup with a crucial home match against Ukraine this Thursday. The French team is currently in a strong position, sitting three points clear in UEFA qualifying Group D, and a victory in Paris would solidify their advance as they remain with two games left to play.
The match at the Parc des Princes presents a pivotal moment for both teams. For France, a win guarantees they will finish in a top spot, making them difficult to dislodge before the qualifiers conclude. On the other hand, Ukraine is facing its own pressure. The team is in desperate need of three points to enhance its chances for automatic qualification, as third-placed Iceland lurks and could potentially overtake them if Ukraine fails to secure a win.
Coach Didier Deschamps will navigate this match without PSG stars Ousmane Dembele and Desire Doue, both sidelined due to injury. Similarly, Ukraine’s hopes will be impacted by the absence of Oleksandr Zinchenko, who is out with a groin injury sustained while playing for Nottingham Forest.
Fans can catch the action live on Fox Sports 2, with streaming available through Fubo, although regional restrictions may apply.
As the teams prepare for this decisive encounter, the stakes couldn’t be higher, promising an exciting showdown with World Cup qualification on the line. The determination of both squads illustrates the competitive spirit of international football and the importance of every match in the journey to the World Cup.