The final stages of the FIFA World Cup Qualifying – UEFA Group D campaign feature a decisive clash as France hosts Ukraine. For Les Bleus (The Blues), a victory in this match is the ultimate objective, as a win will mathematically guarantee their automatic qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, crowning them the leaders of Group D. France enters the match with a superb record, sitting comfortably at the top of the group standings.
Ukraine, currently holding the second-place play-off position, faces a formidable challenge. They need a positive result, ideally a victory or at least a draw, to secure their play-off spot ahead of Iceland heading into the final matchday. This fixture, held in Paris, promises to be a tense affair, pitting France’s star-studded attack against Ukraine’s disciplined and spirited side.
Match Details
This midweek match is a pivotal fixture in the final rounds of the UEFA World Cup qualification tournament for Group D.
DetailInformationCompetitionFIFA World Cup Qualifying – UEFAPhaseGroup D – Matchday 5 (or 6)DateThursday, November 13, 2025Kick-off8:45 PM CET (7:45 PM UK Time)VenueParc des Princes, Paris, France
Team Form and Analysis for France
World Cup Qualifying Performance and Dominance
France are currently in 1st position in Group D with 10 points from four matches, maintaining an unbeaten record of three wins and one draw.
The French national team has showcased their elite quality throughout the qualifiers. Their form includes a decisive 2-0 away victory against Ukraine earlier in the campaign and a hard-fought 2-1 home victory against Iceland. Their dominance is reflected in their goal difference of +6, having scored 9 goals and conceded only 3. Manager Didier Deschamps (or current manager’s name if known) has emphasized a balance of tactical control and devastating counter-attacking ability. Playing at the Parc des Princes adds significant pressure to deliver a performance worthy of securing direct qualification. Despite the absence of injured forward Randal Kolo Muani, Les Bleus boast immense depth, with Florian Thauvin being called up as a replacement, ensuring their offensive threat remains potent as they seek a clinical victory.
Key Player: Kylian Mbappé
Forward and captain Kylian Mbappé is the undisputed focal point of the France attack and one of the world’s most dangerous players. His electric pace, world-class dribbling, and clinical finishing have made him one of the top goalscorers in the qualifying campaign, including the second goal in the 2-0 win over Ukraine. Mbappé thrives in high-stakes matches and his ability to unlock a well-organized defence, either through individual brilliance or by creating space for teammates, will be the primary factor in breaking down Ukraine’s compact defensive lines. His current form is exceptional, scoring four goals in his last four games for club and country.
Team Form and Analysis for Ukraine
World Cup Qualifying Campaign and Play-Off Ambitions
Ukraine are currently in 2nd position in Group D with 7 points from four matches. Their league record stands at two wins, one draw, and one loss.
Under their head coach (or current manager’s name if known), the Ukrainian side has been resilient and focused on securing the play-off berth. Their form includes a recent crucial 2-1 home victory against Azerbaijan and an impressive 3-5 away victory against Iceland. Their only loss came in the reverse fixture against France (0-2). Due to security concerns, Ukraine is required to play their home matches at neutral venues (like Wrocław, Poland), making every match an effective away fixture. Despite this challenge and the loss of midfielder Mykhailo Mudryk to suspension (if confirmed), the team possesses technical quality, particularly in midfield, and a strong collective spirit. Their ability to minimize mistakes and execute a perfect counter-attacking strategy will be vital to securing a historic result in Paris.
Key Player: Georgiy Sudakov
Midfielder Georgiy Sudakov is the creative spark and one of the most exciting talents in the Ukraine squad. The young central attacking midfielder possesses exceptional ball control, vision, and the ability to link the midfield with the attack. Sudakov is a proven goal contributor in the qualification campaign and his intelligent movement will be key to creating opportunities for the central forward. Against a dominant French midfield, Sudakov’s performance in maintaining possession and exploiting any space left by the attacking French full-backs will be the team’s best route to a positive outcome.
Head-to-Head Record between the Teams
The head-to-head history is significantly weighted in favour of France, although recent competitive qualifiers have been closely contested.
MetricFrance WinsDrawsUkraine WinsTotal Competitive Meetings431Recent WCQ Result (Sep 2025)France 2-0 Ukraine (A)France’s Unbeaten Streak (All Comps)5 consecutive matches
The two nations have met 13 times overall, with France holding a commanding record of seven wins, five draws, and only one loss. The most recent clash was the 2-0 victory for France earlier in this qualifying campaign. Prior to that, the sides drew 1-1 twice during the 2022 World Cup Qualifiers. However, the most famous recent meeting was the 2014 World Cup Play-off, where Ukraine won the first leg 2-0 only for France to stage a sensational 3-0 comeback win in the second leg. This history suggests that while France is the clear favourite, Ukraine has the capacity for resolute performances.
Players to Watch
France
Michael Olise (Winger): The young winger has been in excellent form, scoring the opening goal in the reverse fixture against Ukraine. His pace, directness, and impressive finishing make him a constant threat down the right flank, providing a crucial alternative to Mbappé.
Aurélien Tchouaméni (Midfielder): The powerful central midfielder provides the defensive screen and passing range that anchors the team. While he may have served suspensions earlier, his return to the midfield is critical for controlling the tempo and shutting down Ukraine’s counter-attacks.
Ukraine
Artem Dovbyk (Forward): The central striker is a powerful focal point for the attack. His hold-up play, physicality, and ability to score goals from limited chances will be key to Ukraine’s counter-attacking strategy. He will look to capitalize on the service from Sudakov.
Oleksandr Zinchenko (Defender/Midfielder): The versatile player is often deployed in a deeper defensive or central midfield role. His experience, leadership, and exceptional passing ability are invaluable for launching attacks and helping Ukraine retain possession under pressure.
Prediction
France is expected to dominate possession and pressure the Ukrainian defence relentlessly. The sheer quality and depth of the French attack, particularly with Mbappé in commanding form, should ultimately prove too much for the visitors. While Ukraine will employ a highly structured and disciplined defensive unit, as they have done in past competitive fixtures, the need for a result will force them to take risks. France will be focused on a professional victory to secure their World Cup ticket. Expect a controlled performance from Les Bleus, breaking down the resistance of Ukraine in the second half.
Score Prediction: France 2-0 Ukraine
Live Stream and TV Broadcast Information
This critical FIFA World Cup Qualifying – UEFA match is scheduled for broadcast across various platforms globally.
In the United Kingdom (UK), the match will be available to watch and stream live on Viaplay Sports or other broadcasters holding the rights for this specific UEFA qualifying fixture.
In the United States (US), the match is typically available to watch and stream live on FOX Sports 2 (FS2) and its associated streaming services, including Fubo TV and ViX+.
In France, the match is typically broadcast live on TF1 and streamed on TF1+.
Check local TV and streaming listings in other regions for the most accurate broadcast information.
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