Ukraine vs France: A Tense World Cup Qualifying Kick-Off
On Friday, September 5, 2025, Ukraine and France go head-to-head in the opening match of their World Cup 2026 qualifying campaign. Though France are clear favourites, this game promises drama—especially as Ukraine play outside their home turf in Poland.
Match Context & Stakes
France, led by Didier Deschamps in his farewell qualifiers, aim to start strongly and set the tone for their final stretch toward the 2026 World Cup. Ukraine, though visibly under pressure, have shown scoring consistency and could surprise.
Team News & Lineups
France are without key players like William Saliba and Rayan Cherki due to injuries, but they’ve called up Hugo Ekitike and Maghnes Akliouche—both potential debutants.
Ukraine will miss Andriy Lunin and Oleksandr Tymchyk, pushing Anatoliy Trubin into goal, while Illia Zabarnyi and Vitaliy Mykolenko approach 50-cap milestones.
Betting Insights & Odds
Ukraine have been handed a +1.25 Asian Handicap by bookmakers.
Both teams scoring is a popular market, but some tipsters lean towards BTTS NO, trusting Ukraine’s disciplined defence.
France remain overwhelming favourites at odds near -300.
Most predictions settle between a 1–2 or 1–3 France win.
Predicted Lineups
| Ukraine (Possibly 4-3-3) | France (Possible 4-3-3 / 4-2-3-1) |
|---|---|
| GK: Anatoliy Trubin | GK: Maignan |
| RB: Konoplya | RB: Gusto |
| CB: Zabarnyi | CB: Koundé |
| CB: Matviienko | CB: Konaté |
| LB: Mykolenko | LB: Hernández |
| CM: Sudakov | CM: Tchouaméni |
| CM: Yarmolyuk / Shaparenko | CM: Rabiot |
| CM: Shaparenko / Sudakov | RW: Dembélé |
| RW: Tsygankov | ST: Mbappé |
| ST: Dovbyk | LW: Barcola / Olise |
| LW: Zubkov / Vanat | CAM / FW: Désiré Doué |
| Source View | Prediction Highlights |
|---|---|
| Market Insights | France heavy favourites; Ukraine +1.25 handicap value bet |
| Optimistic Picks | 1-2 to France – tight match with both sides scoring possible |
| High-Scoring View | 1-3 France, BTTS YES, over 3.5 goals |
| Defensive Angle | BTTS NO — Ukraine’s backline might keep one side scoreless |
Conclusion
France are favourites, backed by depth and momentum—but Ukraine’s resilience and scoring form indicate this could be more than a walkover. Whether you back a tight 2-1 France win, a frenzied 3-1 thriller, or a disciplined clean sheet, the clash promises intrigue and betting value.
By
