France Faces Ukraine in Pivotal 2026 World Cup Qualifier Amid 10th Anniversary of November 13 Attacks

On November 13, 2025, the French men's national football team will play Ukraine at Paris' Parc des Princes in a crucial 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying match. This game, scheduled on the tenth anniversary of the tragic 2015 Paris and Saint-Denis terrorist attacks that claimed 132 lives and injured over 350, carries deep emotional significance alongside its sporting stakes.

A victory for France would guarantee their direct qualification for the 2026 World Cup, set from June to July 2026 across the United States, Mexico, and Canada. Currently leading their group with 13 points, France sits ahead of Ukraine and Iceland. A draw would keep them favorably placed, relying on a final match result against Azerbaijan, while a loss would tie France and Ukraine on points and make the last qualifier decisive.

Coach Didier Deschamps expressed unease about the match date, stating, "Deep down, if we could have avoided playing on November 13, that would have been good," reflecting respect for the victims' families. Meanwhile, star player Kylian Mbappé emphasized the importance of honoring those affected, saying, "We want to make sure that the French people understand that while there is a World Cup spot at stake, there are far more important things at play, and we are not disconnected from that."

Several players, including Eduardo Camavinga and key attackers, face fitness uncertainties. Nevertheless, Deschamps is expected to field an attacking lineup featuring Cherki, Olise, Barcola, and Mbappé, supported in midfield by Kanté and Koné due to injuries. French supporters will pay tribute to the victims with a tifo and banner, and enhanced security measures are in place for the event.

Kickoff is at 20:45 and will be broadcast live on TF1. This match not only represents a critical step toward World Cup qualification but also serves as a poignant tribute to those who lost their lives ten years ago near the Stade de France during a football match.