Compared to the previous match against Azerbaijan (2:1) a month ago, Serhiy Rebrov made six substitutions and opted for a formation 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 a corner. The most intense moment came at the end of the first half when Barklya dribbled right along the edge of the penalty box and scored in the near post — the ball ricocheted off Trubin's gloves into the crossbar.

Photo: Dan Balashov

Despite territorial and statistical dominance by the French (10 shots against none from Ukraine), the first half ended goalless.

Photo: Dan Balashov

At the start of the second half, Mykhalko recklessly fouled Ollis in his own penalty area, resulting in a penalty kick for France. Captain Mbappé confidently outmaneuvered Trubin from the spot: he held off and waited until our goalkeeper moved to the left before shooting 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 found Ollis who turned and delivered an accurate shot. Soon Mbappé completed his brace, being first on the rebound after Trubin's save. And with two minutes left in regular time Ekiteke set the final score — 4:0.

Photo: Dan Balashov

After five rounds, Ukraine's national team has seven points and occupies the third spot 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). For Ukraine to advance to the playoffs, only a win will suffice.

2026 World Cup Qualifiers. European Zone. Group D

France — Ukraine — 4:0 (0:0)

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

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

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

Captain: Didier Deschamps.

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

Substitutes: Volinec, Ryzhnik, Konoplya, Bondar, Kaluzhnyi, 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