Ukraine vs France Prediction, Preview, News, Odds: 5/9/2025

Ukraine return to World Cup qualifying with hopes of ending a long absence from the global stage. Their last appearance came in 2006, when they reached the quarter-finals in Germany. Nearly two decades later, the national team is aiming to take the next step after showing flashes of progress at Euro 2024. Drawn in a group with Azerbaijan and Iceland, Ukraine are considered among the frontrunners to finish in the top two and at least reach the playoff round.

In June, the Ukrainians had mixed results in warm-up matches, losing 4–2 to Canada before edging New Zealand 2–1. For head coach Serhiy Rebrov, consistency remains the challenge, especially with several experienced internationals missing from his latest squad.

Ukraine’s Squad Changes

For this international window, Rebrov has left out some of Ukraine’s most seasoned players. Ruslan Malinovskyi (Genoa, 66 caps), Serhiy Sydorchuk (62 caps), and veteran midfielder Taras Stepanenko (87 caps) were not selected, while legendary winger Andriy Yarmolenko (125 caps, 46 goals) has also been omitted. Chelsea’s Mykhailo Mudryk is unavailable due to a doping suspension.

Still, Ukraine can call on several key figures. Goalkeepers Anatoliy Trubin (Benfica) and Andriy Lunin (Real Madrid) bring stability, while defenders Illia Zabarnyi (PSV), Vitaliy Mykolenko (Everton), and Oleksandr Zinchenko (Arsenal) strengthen the back line. Viktor Tsygankov (Girona) and Oleksandr Zubkov (Trabzonspor) provide creativity in midfield, with striker Roman Yaremchuk (Olympiakos, 17 international goals) and new AS Roma signing Artem Dovbyk expected to lead the attack.

France’s Strong Position

France, meanwhile, arrive as 2018 World Cup champions, 2022 runners-up, and clear favorites to top the group. Les Bleus recently competed in the UEFA Nations League Final Four, losing to Spain in the semi-final before securing a 2–0 victory against Germany in the third-place match—thanks to a spectacular Kylian Mbappé strike and an assist for Michael Olise.

Didier Deschamps’ squad features a blend of proven stars and rising talent. Adrien Rabiot, despite a rocky situation at Marseille, has been recalled. Midfield stability comes from Aurélien Tchouaméni (Real Madrid), while Mbappé continues to lead the side as captain. The Parisian forward is already France’s all-time leading assist provider and third-highest scorer with 50 goals in just 90 appearances.

Exciting youngsters Rayan Cherki (Manchester City) and Désiré Doué (PSG) have been included, along with the Thuram brothers, Ousmane Dembélé, and goalkeeper Lucas Chevalier. Notable absentees include Ferland Mendy, Wesley Fofana, and Kingsley Coman, while veterans N’Golo Kanté, Christopher Nkunku, and Randal Kolo Muani also miss out due to fitness issues or managerial decisions.

Prediction

This qualifier represents very different stakes for the two teams. Ukraine are rebuilding, missing key veterans, and struggling for form, having taken just two points from their last five games. France, by contrast, are unbeaten in their last seven away fixtures, winning five of them, and remain one of the strongest squads in world football.

With Mbappé in form and Deschamps’s side boasting depth across every position, the outcome looks heavily tilted in France’s favor. Ukraine may show resilience, but their current limitations suggest they will struggle to contain the reigning world champions.

Prediction: Ukraine 0–3 France