The Ukrainian national team entered their opening match of the 2026 World Cup qualifiers against France in Wroclaw, Poland, under immense pressure.

It couldn't have been a more difficult start for Ukraine, given the numerous personnel changes in their squad.

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Deschamps made several changes when France played Ukraine. Photo: FFF

Goalkeeper Andriy Lunin, currently on the books of Real Madrid, has been forced to withdraw due to a back injury.

In addition, two key defenders, Vitaliy Mykolenko and Oleksandr Tymchyk, are also absent.

In this squad selection, head coach Serhiy Rebrov had to call up many new faces with little international experience.

Against an opponent in a transitional phase, France and Kylian Mbappe have a chance to secure three points in their opening match of the 2026 World Cup qualifiers in the European region.

France also lacks stability, as Didier Deschamps has been in charge for too long and is struggling to reinvent himself.

Nevertheless, "Les Bleus" still have outstanding individuals. Deschamps viewed the Nations League in June as a testing ground, and now he is ready to introduce a new lineup.

Within that framework, Mbappe continues to be the leader. Just like at Real Madrid, where he recently received the number 10 shirt and performed outstandingly, the Parisian striker will change roles compared to before.

Mbappe moves wider and drops deeper to participate in build-up play. That doesn't mean he loses opportunities to sprint and score goals.

Supporting Mbappe are Michael Olise, Ousmane Dembele , and Marcus Thuram . These are players Deschamps favors in the post-EURO 2024 period.

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Mbappe is confidently aiming to match Henry's achievements. Photo: FFF

If he's willing to make a change, Deschamps could give Hugo Ekitike his debut by replacing Thuram at left wing.

Ekitike, Liverpool's new signing, is in good form and can create space for Mbappe or vice versa – exploiting the space left by the captain.

Mbappe had gone seven games without scoring since the knockout stage of EURO 2024. He overcame that streak by scoring in his last two matches.

In Poland, Mbappe is confident of scoring against Ukraine. If he does, he will equal or surpass Thierry Henry's record of 51 goals for France. The current record of 57 goals is held by Olivier Giroud.

According to experts, France enters the match with a strong squad and superior experience, but Ukraine has the advantage of morale and familiarity with Wroclaw. It will not be an easy match, but "Les Bleus" still have the potential to take 3 points.

Force:

Ukraine: Lunin, Mykolenko, and Oleksandr Tymchyk are injured.

France: William Saliba, Camavinga, and Cherki are injured.

Predicted lineup:

Ukraine (4-2-3-1): Trubin; Konoplya, Zabarnyi, Matviyenko, Zinchenko; Kaliuzhny, Yarmolyuk; Tsygankov, Yarmolyuk Shaparenko, Sudakov; Dovbyk.

France (4-2-3-1): Maignan; Kounde, Upamecano, Konate, T pig Hernandez; Tchouameni, Rabiot; Olise, Ousmane Dembele, Ekitike ; Mbappe .

Match odds: France -1/4 handicap

Total goals: 2 1/2

Prediction: France wins 2-1 .

Source: https://vietnamnet.vn/nhan-dinh-bong-da-ukraine-vs-phap-vong-loai-world-cup-2026-2439515.html