Ukraine entered a tense opening match of the 2026 World Cup qualifiers against France in Wroclaw, Poland.

A start could not be more difficult for Ukraine, in the context of many changes in personnel in the squad.

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Deschamps made a number of changes when France played Ukraine. Photo: FFF

Goalkeeper Andriy Lunin, who is on the payroll of Real Madrid, was forced to withdraw due to a back injury.

Besides, two defensive pillars Vitaliy Mykolenko and Oleksandr Tymchyk are also absent.

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

Facing an opponent in transition, France and Kylian Mbappe have the opportunity to win 3 points in the opening match of the 2026 World Cup qualifiers in Europe.

France is also actually unstable, as Didier Deschamps has been in office for too long and has had difficulty renewing himself.

Despite this, Les Bleus still have some standout individuals. Deschamps saw the Nations League in June as a test, and is now ready to introduce a new squad.

In that framework, Mbappe continues to be the leader. Like at Real Madrid, where he just received the number 10 shirt and played outstandingly, the Parisian striker will change his role compared to before.

Mbappe moves wide and drops deeper to get involved in play. That doesn't mean he misses out on the opportunities to sprint forward and score.

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

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

If he is brave enough to make a change, Deschamps could give Hugo Ekitike his debut, replacing Thuram as left forward.

Liverpool's new signing Ekitike is in good form and can create space for Mbappe or vice versa – taking advantage of space from the captain.

Mbappe has gone through a 7-match "goalless" streak since the knockout stage of EURO 2024. He has overcome difficulties by scoring in the last 2 matches.

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

According to experts, France entered the match with a strong force and superior experience, but Ukraine had the advantage of spirit and familiarity in Wroclaw. It was not an easy match, but “Les Bleus” still had the ability to take 3 points.

Force:

Ukraine: Lunin, Mykolenko and Oleksandr Tymchyk are injured.

France: William Saliba, Camavinga, Cherki injured.

Expected 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 handicap 1/4

Goal ratio: 2 1/2

Prediction: France win 2-1 .

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