The high-pressure start 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 beat Trubin — 0:1. Until halftime, the tricolors held an advantage on the field, having generally delivered nine shots and executing three corners, but Trubin remained unyielding.

Photo: Dan Balashov

The Ukrainian team attempted to create opportunities in counterattacks and from set pieces. However, neither of the two corners executed in the first half resulted in a score.

At the beginning of the second half, Ukraine played more actively 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 headed towards goal — but the ball flew over the bar as Konate managed to clear it from the line.

Photo: Dan Balashov

A minute after a set piece from Sudakov, Zabarny 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 bar). And on the 82nd minute, captain of the tricolors Kylian Mbappé made his statement: taking advantage of a vertical pass from his half, he cut in off the right and scored precisely into the corner — 0:2. This score held until the final whistle. Ukraine's World Cup qualification campaign began with a loss.

Photo: Dan Balashov

As a reminder, Ukraine's next World Cup qualifier will be against Azerbaijan in Baku on September 9 (kick-off at 19:00 Kyiv time).

World Cup-2026 Qualification. Group D

Ukraine — France — 0:2 (0:1)

Goals: Olise (10), Mbappé (82).

Ukraine: Trubin, Konoplia, Zabarny, Matviyenko (c), Zinchenko (Voloshyn, 87), Kaluzhnyy, Zubkov (Nazarenko, 76), Yarmoluk (Ocheretko, 82), Sudakov (Bondarenko, 82), Hutsulak, Dovbik (Vanat, 76).

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

Coach: Serhiy Rebrov.

France: Maignan, Koundé, Konaté (Gusto, 90+2), Upamecano, Digne, Koen, Chouamane, 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.

Referee: Danny Makkelie (Netherlands).

September 5. Wrocław. "Tychy Arena Wrocław"

Standings