Ukraine vs France Prediction, Preview & Betting Tips | World Cup Qualifier 2026

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🇺🇦 Ukraine vs 🇫🇷 France Prediction, Preview & Betting Tips | World Cup Qualifier 2026

Match Preview ⚽

The eyes of Europe turn to Wrocław, Poland, on Friday, 5 September 2025, as Ukraine face France in a pivotal World Cup 2026 qualifier. Kick-off is scheduled for 19:45 UK time (20:45 CET), with thousands of travelling fans expected to create an electric atmosphere despite Ukraine playing away from home soil.

France, as one of the pre-tournament favourites, bring world-class quality and depth, and anything less than three points will be seen as a disappointment. But Ukraine, resilient and spirited, will look to cause problems and lean on their passionate support to push them closer to their first World Cup appearance since 2006.

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Form Guides

France Form Guide

France enter this match with a squad stacked with talent and experience, yet also sprinkled with exciting new faces. Didier Deschamps has consistently found the right formula in qualification campaigns, and Les Bleus remain one of the most consistent sides in world football. They’ve gone unbeaten in their last seven World Cup qualifiers, often dispatching teams comfortably, and they rarely look under pressure in this type of fixture.

Kylian Mbappé is the talisman and leader of this side, and his record in qualifiers speaks for itself. Add in the midfield balance of Aurélien Tchouaméni and Adrien Rabiot, plus defensive anchors such as Dayot Upamecano and Ibrahima Konaté, and France boast quality in every department.

France’s recent Nations League campaign showed both their brilliance and vulnerability — a 5–4 defeat to Spain highlighted defensive lapses, while victory in the third-place playoff against Germany proved their ability to bounce back quickly. The addition of Hugo Ekitike offers something different in attack, giving Deschamps another weapon if the game becomes tight.

Overall, Les Bleus have one mission here: to make a strong statement in their opening qualifier and set the pace for the rest of Group D.


Ukraine Form Guide

Ukraine approach this game knowing that they must punch above their weight to compete with France, but history has shown they can be a dangerous opponent on their day. The team is adjusting to life without first-choice goalkeeper Andriy Lunin, who is out with injury, but Anatoliy Trubin is an able deputy with Champions League experience.

Creativity and flair come from Oleksandr Zinchenko, who remains the heartbeat of Ukraine’s midfield. He will look to control possession when possible and link with attackers such as Mykhailo Mudryk, whose speed and direct dribbling can stretch even the strongest defences. Veteran forward Andriy Yarmolenko provides leadership and big-game experience, while striker Artem Dovbyk has been in excellent scoring form for his club and now carries the nation’s goal threat.

Ukraine’s recent qualifying record has been patchy, but they have shown resilience, drawing with strong sides and always finding a way to create chances. Playing in Poland adds another layer of difficulty, but Ukrainian fans always travel in numbers and bring a unique intensity that can drive the team forward. If they are to get a result, they’ll need defensive discipline, quick counter-attacks, and clinical finishing.

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Head-to-Head & Stats to Know 

  • France are unbeaten in their last six meetings with Ukraine, showing their historical dominance in this fixture.

  • Ukraine’s only notable victory over France came in the 2014 World Cup playoff first leg, though France overturned the result in Paris with a commanding win.

  • France have averaged 2.2 goals per game in their last ten competitive fixtures, highlighting the firepower at Deschamps’ disposal.

  • Ukraine have been more inconsistent, scoring in only half of their last six games, but their key attackers remain capable of producing moments of brilliance.

  • Ukraine’s last and only World Cup appearance was in 2006, making this campaign especially meaningful for their players and supporters.

  • France’s defensive line is packed with aerial strength, while Ukraine will rely heavily on set-pieces and long-range efforts to break them down.

Team News & Predicted Line-Ups 📋

France

Didier Deschamps has no shortage of options. Mbappé will lead the line, supported by Ousmane Dembélé and Marcus Thuram, while Michael Olise offers another attacking spark off the bench. The midfield trio of Tchouaméni, Rabiot, and Camavinga provides balance, with defensive stability from Konaté and Upamecano. Goalkeeper Mike Maignan continues as Hugo Lloris’ long-term successor.

Predicted XI: Maignan; Koundé, Upamecano, Konaté, Hernandez; Tchouaméni, Rabiot, Camavinga; Dembélé, Mbappé, Thuram

Ukraine

Trubin replaces the injured Lunin in goal. The backline is led by Illia Zabarnyi and Mykola Matviyenko, two players with growing reputations in Europe. Zinchenko will be tasked with pulling the strings in midfield, while Mudryk and Yarmolenko provide the width. Dovbyk will spearhead the attack and hope to use his physicality to test France’s centre-backs.

Predicted XI: Trubin; Konoplya, Zabarnyi, Matviyenko, Mykolenko; Shaparenko, Zinchenko; Tsygankov, Sudakov, Mudryk; Dovbyk


Key Battles to Watch ⭐

  • Mbappé vs Ukraine’s defence – Ukraine’s biggest challenge will be containing the PSG superstar, whose pace and movement can destroy backlines.

  • Zinchenko vs Tchouaméni – Two midfield anchors with very different styles; whichever dictates tempo could tilt the game.

  • Mudryk’s pace vs France’s full-backs – Mudryk’s speed on the counter could cause problems if France leave space in behind.

  • Set-pieces – Both sides have height and strength, meaning corners and free kicks could become decisive.

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⭐ TipMan Smart Tip ⭐

France to Win & Both Teams to Score (BTTS)

France have the quality to control and win this match, but Ukraine possess enough attacking threat to get on the scoresheet. This market combines the best of both worlds and offers better value than a straight France win.


Alternative Value Picks 🎯

  • Anytime Scorer: Kylian Mbappé – almost always delivers in qualifiers.

  • Anytime Scorer: Artem Dovbyk – Ukraine’s main goal outlet and aerial presence.

  • Bet Builder: France HT/FT + Mbappé to score + Over 2.5 goals.

Ukraine vs France Article

5 Sep 19:45 - Ukraine vs France - WC Qualification Europe
5 Sep 19:45
Ukraine vs France - WC Qualification Europe

France Win & BTTS - Yes

Match Result & BTTS
11/5

Reason for Tip

France’s attacking firepower should see them come out on top, but Ukraine are a capable side with enough quality in the final third to make their mark. Les Bleus often concede despite their dominance, and Ukraine’s direct approach could trouble them. France remain favourites, yet a scoreline like 2-1 or 3-1 feels the most likely outcome.

5 Sep 19:45 - Ukraine vs France - WC Qualification Europe
5 Sep 19:45
Ukraine vs France - WC Qualification Europe

Kylian Mbappe to Score

Anytime Goalscorer
8/11

Reason for Tip

Mbappé is France’s standout attacking threat, blessed with pace, movement, and clinical finishing. Ukraine’s back line will find it difficult to contain him over 90 minutes, particularly when he drifts into space on the counter. With his record of scoring in big international fixtures, Mbappé looks a strong anytime goalscorer pick.

5 Sep 19:45 - Ukraine vs France - WC Qualification Europe
5 Sep 19:45
Ukraine vs France - WC Qualification Europe

HT/FT: France / France

Half Time / Full Time
10/11

Reason for Tip

France are likely to set the tone early, pressing Ukraine high and creating chances from the outset. Their ability to strike quickly could see them lead at the break, and with superior quality throughout the squad, they should see the job through. Backing France to lead at both half-time and full-time looks a logical play. exercitation.

5 Sep 19:45 - Ukraine vs France - WC Qualification Europe
5 Sep 19:45
Ukraine vs France - WC Qualification Europe

Artem Dovbyk to Score

Anytime Goalscorer
18/5

Reason for Tip

Dovbyk is Ukraine’s danger man, leading the line with strength and sharp finishing. He thrives on limited chances and will be key to exploiting any lapses in France’s defence. If Ukraine are to get on the scoresheet, Dovbyk is the likeliest candidate to make the difference.

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TipMan’s Final Verdict 🏆

France should take control of this game early and have too much quality across all areas of the pitch. Ukraine’s passionate support and talented forwards could keep the game competitive, but over 90 minutes, France’s depth and clinical finishing should make the difference.

Predicted Scoreline: Ukraine 1–3 France
Best Bet: ⭐ France to Win & BTTS ⭐

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Where to Watch Ukraine vs France 📺

Fans in the United Kingdom can watch the match live on Prime Video UK, with full pre-match build-up and post-match reaction available. Across Europe, the game will be shown by national broadcasters, with particular focus in France and Ukraine.

For punters, many leading bookmakers will provide live in-play streaming, allowing viewers to watch and bet at the same time. Football apps will also offer commentary, live stats, and in-play analysis.

For those who cannot watch live, highlights, full replays, and tactical breakdowns will be shown later on sports channels and official federation platforms.

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FAQs – Ukraine vs France❓

Is Ukraine vs France on TV in the UK?
Yes – live on Prime Video UK.

What time does the game kick off?
Kick-off is at 19:45 UK time (20:45 CET) on Friday, 5 September 2025.

Where is the match being played?
At the Stadion Wrocław in Poland, used as Ukraine’s temporary home venue.

Who are the key absentees?
Ukraine are missing Andriy Lunin in goal through injury. France are without Rayan Cherki, but otherwise close to full strength.

Can Ukraine pull off an upset?
It’s a tall order, but with players like Mudryk and Dovbyk, Ukraine can cause problems if France underestimate them.

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