France Eyes World Cup Qualification as They Host Ukraine Amid Somber Remembrance

On November 13, 2025, France's national football team faced Ukraine at the Parc des Princes in a pivotal World Cup 2026 qualifying match. A victory would secure France's spot in the upcoming tournament hosted across the United States, Canada, and Mexico. The match carried poignant significance as it coincided with the tenth anniversary of the November 13, 2015 terrorist attacks in Paris, a day that left 130 dead, including one victim near Stade de France during a France-Germany match.

Leading their group with 10 points, France needed a win to officially guarantee qualification. Coach Didier Deschamps confronted squad challenges due to injuries sidelining key players such as Aurélien Tchouameni, Ousmane Dembélé, Adrien Rabiot, Marcus Thuram, and Désiré Doué, although N'Golo Kanté and Rayan Cherki returned to the lineup. Khéphren Thuram was newly called up to reinforce the midfield. France's last encounter with Ukraine ended in a 2-0 victory in Poland — a match relocated due to the ongoing war in Ukraine.

The match's atmosphere blended football ambition with respectful tribute; a moment of silence was observed for the victims, players and staff donned insignias of the Bleuet de France Foundation supporting veterans and war victims, and a "Football for Peace" banner was displayed prominently in the center circle. Team captain Kylian Mbappé reflected on the gravity of the day, remarking, "There are things much more important than qualifying for the World Cup." The French public largely backed the team's prospects, with polls showing 65% expect France to win and 77% confident of qualification.

Didier Deschamps stressed the match's critical nature, stating, "The qualification depends on us." Despite recent mixed performances including a 2-2 draw against Iceland, the team was poised for a decisive victory that would end their qualifying journey on a triumphant note before the final group game against Azerbaijan. The game, broadcast live on TF1, represented both a sporting milestone and a solemn remembrance, uniting national pride with collective memory.