With Ukraine still not able to play their home games in the country, they will welcome France to the neutral venue of Wroclaw on Friday night. This is both teams' first 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying match in Group D.
As such, this game gives an opportunity for both sides to lay an official marker down, as with relative minnows Iceland and Azerbaijan making up the rest of the group, both are favourites to qualify for the tournament proper. Nonetheless, it will no doubt be interesting to see just how they match up against each other.
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Ukraine vs France prediction: Les Bleus to battle for victory?
Key stats
- Ukraine have lost two of their last three games in total in all competitions.
- France have scored a total of eight goals across their previous three matches.
- France are also unbeaten in the last four H2Hs, winning two of them.
Correct score prediction: Ukraine 1-3 France
France should be expected to take home all three points here, especially at a neutral ground. Ukraine are a solid side themselves though, and so we are expecting plenty of goals to be scored on what we anticipate to be an exciting an entertaining affair.
Pre-game odds and win probability: France firm favourites with bookmakers
- HOME: 13/2 (7.50) – 13.3%
- DRAW: 18/5 (4.60) – 21.7%
- AWAY: 2/5 (1.40) – 71.4%
*odds from Ladbrokes, subject to change
As shown by the implied probabilities, France have been installed as the firm favourites with bookmakers to pick up all three points away from home. A draw is rated at just under 22%, while a Ukraine victory can be backed at just over 13%.
Also, feel free to check out our dedicated Football Betting Tips Today page.
Most recent H2Hs: France aiming to extend unbeaten streak
As mentioned before, France are unbeaten in the previous four meetings between the two sides in all competitions. However, the last two H2Hs have both ended in draws, which should give Ukraine a little form of encouragement.
Europe - World Cup Qualifying 04/09/21
Ukraine
France
Europe - World Cup Qualifying 24/03/21
France
Ukraine
International Match 07/10/20
France
Ukraine
Ukraine preview: Mykolenko pulls out late
Vitaliy Mykolenko has recently left the Ukrainian camp after yet another injury setback which is no doubt a big blow for his national team. Both Andriy Lunin and Oleksandr Tymchyk are also on the treatment table.
Predicted lineup: Trubin (GK), Konoplya, Zabarnyi, Matviienko, Dubinchak, Kaliuzhny, Zinchenko, Tsygankov, Shaparenko, Sudakov & Dovbyk
Last five results:
- New Zealand 1-2 Ukraine
- Canada 4-2 Ukraine
- Belgium 3-0 Ukraine
- Ukraine 3-1 Belgium
- Ukraine 2-1 Iceland
France preview: Premier League stars pull out
Both Arsenal's William Saliba and Manchester City's Rayan Cherki have been forced to withdraw from the France squad with injury. Otherwise, Les Bleus should be able to name a strong starting XI.
Predicted lineup: Maignan (GK), Kounde, Upamecano, Konate, Hernandez, Tchouameni, Rabiot, Olise, Dembele, Thuram & Mbappe
Last five results:
- Germany 0-2 France
- Spain 5-4 France
- France 2-0 Croatia (5-4 pens)
- Croatia 2-0 France
- Spain 2-1 France
Player to watch: Adrien Rabiot
Perhaps it was a surprise to see Adrien Rabiot included in the France squad after his bust-up with now former Marseille teammate Jonathan Rowe. Indeed, they were both put on the transfer fight after having a fight in the dressing room, and Rabiot has since joined AC Milan.