France vs Ukraine: Preview, prediction & how to watch

Lucas Chevalier, Bradley Barcola, Warren Zaire-Emery and Lucas Hernandez are set to face off with Illia Zabarnyi as France take on Ukraine in the 2026 World Cup Qualifiers.
Ukraine v France - FIFA World Cup 2026 Qualifier
Ukraine v France - FIFA World Cup 2026 Qualifier | Eurasia Sport Images/GettyImages

Five PSG stars are set to face off as France is hosting Ukraine at the Parc des Princes on Matchday 5 of the 2026 World Cup qualifiers on November 13. In the reverse fixture, France secured a 2-0 away victory to open their qualifiying campaign for the upcoming World Cup, but lost Ousmane Dembélé and Désiré Doué through injury, which started PSG's injury crisis.

In their latest outing, France were held to a frustrating 2-2 draw against Iceland while Ukraine and Zabarnyi managed a 2-1 victory over Azerbaijan in the October window, with both sides well placed to secure their spot for the World Cup. Didier Deschamps' team who sits at the top of Group D could punch their ticket for the tournament with a win.

France vs Ukraine, 2026 World Cup Qualifiers preview

When is kick off? Thursday 13th November, 2025.

Where is it played? Parc des Princes.

What time is kick off? 7:45 pm (UK) and 2:45 pm (USA).

Referee: Slavko Vincic (Slovenia).

How to watch France vs Ukraine on TV? Amazon Prime PPV (UK) and FOX Sports 2 & FuboTV (USA).

France team news:

Ahead of the clash between both sides, France will have to do without Ousmane Dembélé and Désiré who sustained injuries in recent weeks as they missed the last international window through injury, while PSG loanee Randal Kolo Muani picked up an injury in his last game with Tottenham and has been replaced by Florian Thauvin. Additionally, Adrien Rabiot and Aurélien Tchouaméni are unavailable.

The notable recalls for this window are N'Golo Kanté who has been brought back after the many injuries in midfield and Warren Zaire-Emery who put in good performances with PSG since the last window.

France possible starting lineup:

Maignan; Koundé, Upamecano, Saliba, T. Hernandez; Koné, Kanté, Cherki, Olise, Mbappé; Ekitike.

Ukraine team news:

As for Ukraine, they will likely be without Artem Bovbyk, the Roma player who sustained a thigh injury and Volodymyr Brazhko who is suffering from muscle problem. The side coached by Serhii Rebrov will need to adapt, but the stakes are high in this game as Ukraine look to maintain their chances to finish in the qualifying spot of the group with Iceland just three points behind them.

Ukraine possible starting lineup:

Prediction: France 3-1 Ukraine

France are the clear favourites ahead of this game and will play to secure their spot for the World Cup, after a solid outing the the reverse fixture that saw them win 2-0 away, it is difficult to see any other outcome different than a win for Didier Deschamps and his side at the Parc des Princes.

Loading recommendations... Please wait while we load personalized content recommendations