Ukraine have only ever beaten France once in 12 attempts, 2-0 winners in the first leg of a World Cup 2014 play-off in Kyiv, before les Blues produced a comeback in Paris four days later, prevailing 3-0.
The last time the two nations met was in 2022 World Cup qualifying, both encounters ending 1-1.
Ukraine vs France preview
France have featured at each of the last seven World Cups, reaching four finals and winning the competition twice during this period. So, will this be the start of a campaign that leads to them adding a third star to their shirt? Les Blues find themselves in Group D, Iceland and Azerbaijan completing the quartet, so they're fully expected to finish first, but this could be their toughest test.
Back in March, Didier Deschamps' side produced a remontada in the Nations League quarter-finals, losing 2-0 in Split before then beating Croatia 2-0 in Paris, with Mike Maignan the hero in the subsequent penalty shootout. However, the 2021 winners could not claim a second Nations League title in June, ousted 5-4 by Spain in the semi-finals in Stuttgart, with Kylian Mbappé, Rayan Cherki and Randal Kolo Muani all scoring in defeat on a truly crazy night at Neckarstadion. Now, France turn their attention to World Cup qualifying, looking to start with a win in Wrocław on Friday night.
As for Ukraine, 2006 is the only World Cup they've featured in as an independent nation, heartbreakingly defeated by Wales in a play-off final in June 2022, mere months after the ongoing Russian invasion began. Still unable to play on home soil, Serhiy Rebrov's side remarkably remain competitive at a decent level. This time last year, the Blue and Yellows managed to finish second in their Nations League B group, beating Albania 2-1 on the final matchday in Tirana.
Then, back in March, Ukraine looked set for promotion, surprisingly beating Belgium 3-1 in the first leg of their play-off in Murcia, only to then relinquish that advantage, defeated 3-0 three days later. Nevertheless, Rebrov's side are still favourites to end up second in Group D, expected to finish above an admittedly poor Iceland and Azerbaijan, and that would give them a shot at the play-offs in March. Here though, France are likely to be simply too strong at Stadion Wrocław in southwestern Poland.
Ukraine vs France head-to-head record
- Matches Played: 12.
- Ukraine Wins: 1. Draws: 5. France Wins: 6.
Ukraine team news
Andriy Lunin, Vitaliy Mykolenko, Oleksandr Tymchyk and Viktor Tsyhankov all miss out injured, while Mykhailo Mudryk remains banned, but Serhiy Rebrov sill has a strong squad from which to choose.
In the absence of Lunin, Anatoliy Trubin is set to be the first-choice goalkeeper while, despite having been surplus to requirements at Arsenal, Oleksandr Zinchenko remains this team's creative hub.
Ukraine predicted lineup vs France: (4-5-1): Trubin; Konoplya, Zabarnyi, Bodnar, Matviyenko; Shaparenko, Yarmoliuk, Zinchenko, Zubkov, Sudakov; Dovbyk.
Ukraine player to watch vs France
It is tough to predict who will be leading the line for Ukraine, but Artem Dovbyk appears likely to get the nod over Roman Yaremchuk. The latter has 11 international goals to his name, of which four were scored in 2024, so can he get off the mark for this year in Wrocław?
France team news
Didier Deschamps' squad is jam-packed full of talent, even when considering that William Saliba and Rayan Cherki are injured, while Antoine Griezmann has retired from international duty.
March's shootout hero Mike Maignan will keep his place in goal, despite the presence of the as yet uncapped Lucas Chevalier. Further forward, Désiré Doué, Bradley Barcola, Ousmane Dembélé and Michael Olise aren't bad attacking options to have, with Maghnes Akliouche and Liverpool's scoring Hugo Ekitiké both hoping for their senior debuts.
France predicted lineup vs Ukraine: (4-2-3-1): Maignan; Koundé, Upamecano, Konaté, Digne; Rabiot, Tchouaméni, Olise, Dembélé, Barcola; Mbappé.
France player to watch vs Ukraine
Kylian Mbappé's strikes against Spain and Germany during the summer took his tally to 50 international goals in just 90 caps. He requires seven more for les Bleus to equal Olivier Giroud's all-time record, so could he achieve this during this campaign?
Ukraine vs France prediction
As already alluded to, this will be France's toughest test of the qualification campaign but, given their array of attacking stars, we're backing les Bleus for victory in Wrocław: Ukraine 1-2 France.
Ukraine vs France FAQs - World Cup qualifier
How to watch Ukraine vs France in World Cup qualification on TV channel?
Ukraine vs France in World Cup qualification will be available on the following TV channels;
- UK: Amazon Prime Video PPV - £2.49.
- USA: Fox Sports 2 & fuboTV
- Canada: DAZN Canada
How to watch Ukraine vs France in World Cup qualification on live streaming?
Ukraine vs France in World Cup qualification will be available on the following streaming services;
- UK: Amazon Prime Video PPV - £2.49.
- USA: Foxsports.com & fuboTV
- Canada: DAZN Canada
What is the date and kick-off time for Ukraine vs France in World Cup qualification?
Ukraine vs France takes place on Friday 5 September 2025, with kick off at 19:45 (BST), 14:45 (EDT) & 11:45 (PDT).