France are on the verge of punching their ticket to the 2026 World Cup, and Thursday night's qualifier against Ukraine could be the moment they officially seal the deal.
Les Bleus sit at the top of Group D with 10 points from four matches, unbeaten with three wins and one draw. Ukraine are hanging right behind them with seven points, holding a record of two wins, one draw and one loss and are still very much in the hunt.
For France, the math is simple. Win on Thursday and the job's done. A draw would all but secure their place anyway, especially if Iceland fails to beat Azerbaijan. The momentum, the form, and the stakes all tilt heavily in their favor.
Ukraine, though, comes in with pressure and possibility intertwined. If they lose, they can no longer claim the top spot and the automatic berth that comes with it. But if they pull off a win and Iceland slips up, they'll be in the driver’s seat for qualification. Even a draw keeps the door open, provided Iceland stumbles.
There's still one more matchday looming. France finish with Azerbaijan. Ukraine host Iceland. Whoever handles Thursday night with more composure could effectively decide the shape of Group D before the final whistle of the campaign even arrives.
Here, GOAL brings you everything you need to know about how to watch, including TV channel, streaming details and more.
How to watch France vs Ukraine online - TV channels & live streams
 | FS2 | Watch here |
 | Fubo | Watch here |
 | DirecTV Stream | Watch here |
 | ViX | Watch here |
In the United States (US), the World Cup Qualification match between France and Ukraine will be available to watch and stream online live through Fubo, DirecTV Stream, FS2 and ViX.
Check out GOAL's Live Match Center for updates.
How to watch anywhere with VPN
If you are abroad, you may need to use a virtual private network (VPN) in order to watch games using your usual streaming service. A VPN, such as NordVPN, allows you to establish a secure connection online when streaming. If you are not sure which VPN to use, check out GOAL's guide to the best VPNs for streaming sport.
France vs Ukraine kick-off time
The World Cup Qualification match between France and Ukraine will be played at Parc des Princes in Paris, France.
It will kick off at 11:45 am PT / 2:45 pm ET on Thursday, November 13, in the US.
Team news & squads
France vs Ukraine lineups
4-2-3-1
Formation
5-3-2
UKRFRA-Line up
FRASubstitutes
Manager
D. Deschamps
UKR-Line up
UKRSubstitutes
Manager
S. Rebrov
Injuries and Suspended players
Injuries and Suspensions
- No sidelined players
Injuries and Suspensions
- No sidelined players
France team news
France are expected to line up in either a 4-3-3 or a 4-2-3-1, depending on how Didier Deschamps wants to shape the midfield. They have taken a few bruises in the centre-back department this cycle, with players like Ibrahima Konate missing stretches along the way, but depth has never really been France’s issue. They can still pull top-tier defenders straight from the bench.
In midfield, there is no shortage of combinations. If Deschamps wants more composure and tempo control, N'Golo Kante or another seasoned options can slot in to steady the rhythm.
Up front, Kylian Mbappe is the unquestioned centerpiece. The real debate lies around him. Who leads the line as the No. 9 and who holds down the right flank? Those choices will dictate whether France plays with brute force or something more fluid.
Ukraine team news
Ukraine, on the other hand, are likely to lean into shape and discipline. Expect either a compact 4-1-4-1 or a cautious 4-2-3-1, built to frustrate and break with purpose.
Oleksandr Zinchenko remains the tactical wildcard. Whether he starts at left-back or in midfield, he loves to drift inside and act as the team's passer-in-chief, changing their entire build-up pattern.
Up top, Artem Dovbyk gives Ukraine a reliable outlet. He's strong enough to fight centre-backs for the ball and smart enough to bring others into play.
Form
FRA-Form
FRA- Goal Scored (Conceded)
- 11/3
- Games over 2.5 goals
- 3/5
- Both teams scored
- 2/5
UKR-Form
UKR- Goal Scored (Conceded)
- 10/8
- Games over 2.5 goals
- 3/5
- Both teams scored
- 4/5
Head-to-Head Record
FRALast 5 matches
UKR3
Wins
2
Draws
0
Wins
Goals scored
3- Games over 2.5 goals
- 2/5
- Both teams scored
- 3/5