Overview
Since the dramatic loss to the Spanish European champions in the UEFA Nations League semi-finals in early June, France have gone through a 5-match unbeaten streak in all competitions (4 wins, 1 draw).
However, Les Bleus could not extend their winning streak to 4 at the end of the October international break. Christopher Nkunku and Jean- Philippe Mateta scored in the second half, giving them a point on Iceland's pitch.
Despite losing 2 points, coach Didier Deschamps' team still maintains the leading position in Group D. Another victory will be enough for them to secure the top spot in the group and a place in the 2026 World Cup in North America in June next year.
Les Bleus, a 2022 World Cup finalist, will be extremely confident returning to the Parc des Princes - where they are unbeaten in their last five home games (W4 D1).
In the context of some key strikers having to retire, Real Madrid star Kylian Mbappe is expected to play a key role. This season, Mbappe has scored 18 goals in 16 matches for Los Blancos, and he is expected to be the leader to help France complete their home mission.
After an understandable loss to France when starting the 2026 World Cup qualifiers in September, Ukraine has made every effort to maintain the race for one of the top two positions.
They are on a 3-match unbeaten streak in Group D with 2 consecutive wins against Iceland and Azerbaijan. Ukraine has consolidated its position as the second strongest team in the group up to now.
ruslan Malinovskyi, a Genoa midfielder, has scored just three goals in 29 appearances for Italy since January 2024, but has scored the same number in just two World Cup qualifiers this year. This is a testament to his great importance under coach Sergiy Rebrov.
Even a draw against France is enough for Ukraine to secure a place in the play-off round during the international break in March. However, after important victories against Iceland and Azerbaijan, Ukraine is aiming to win 3 consecutive victories for the first time since 2019. That was when they had an impressive run of matches in the EURO 2020 qualifiers.
Personnel situation
The French team will be missing some outstanding talents this month, including PSG's Ousmane Dembele and Desire Doue.
Randal Kolo Muani has also withdrawn after suffering a jaw injury for Tottenham Hotspur, making Les Bleus' attack options even more limited.
The absence of Adrien Rabiot and Aurelien Tchouameni has opened up the opportunity for N'Golo Kante to return to the international arena. The 2018 World Cup winner has left a strong impression in recent appearances in Saudi Arabia.
Meanwhile, after his impressive form at Manchester City, Rayan Cherki has been called up to the national team, along with Jean- Philippe Mateta of Crystal Palace.
On the opponent's side, Roma striker Artem Dovbyk, who played in Ukraine's most recent World Cup qualifiers, will be out this month due to a hip injury in Serie A.
In addition, Volodymyr Brazhko, after being called up to the squad in October, will also be out this month due to fitness problems.
Expected lineup:
France: Maignan, Kounde, Saliba, Upamecano, Digne, Kone, Kante, Barcola, Olise, Mbappe, Mateta.
Ukraine: Trubin, Konoplya, Zabarnyi, Matviyenko, Mykolenko, Shaparenko, Malinovskyi, Yaremchuk, Ocheretko, Voloshyn, Vanat.
The match between France and Ukraine takes place at 2:45 am on November 14 (Vietnam time).
