FIFA World Cup Qualification 2026 – UEFA Group D Matchday window: November

Kick-off: Thursday 13 November 2025, 20:45 local time (Europe/Paris – CET, UTC+1)

Venue: Parc des Princes, Paris, France

Host country language: French | Timezone: Europe/Paris (CET in November)

Match Preview

This Group D clash brings together two familiar rivals as France host Ukraine in Paris with qualification stakes on the line. Les Bleus top the section after an unbeaten start and know that a home victory would place them on the brink of securing a ticket to the 2026 finals. Ukraine arrive in second place and have rediscovered momentum following an up-and-down September, which makes this a pivotal ninety minutes for their campaign.

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The context is compelling. France have combined defensive control with bursts of incisive attacking play. Their ability to vary tempo has been a recurring theme: long spells of patient circulation to pin opponents back, followed by quick diagonals into the channels to free a runner. Expect a fluid 4-3-3 that can tilt into a 4-2-3-1 when the attacking midfielder drops off the forward line. In Paris, the hosts typically generate strong field tilt and a high volume of final-third entries, which in turn translates to steady shot quality.

Ukraine’s approach under pressure is to compact the middle third and spring forward quickly once they regain the ball. The first pass after a turnover is crucial. If the visitors can find their striker early and push midfield runners beyond, they can target the space behind France’s advanced full backs. The wide threat is real, and their set-piece delivery has produced chances during this campaign. To leave with a result, Ukraine must be clean in transition defense, avoid cheap fouls around the box, and protect the penalty-spot zone where France like to cut back low crosses.

Matchups to watch include France’s right side against Ukraine’s left channel. When France establish a 2v1 on the flank, they create angles for low cut-backs or pull-backs to the edge of the area. Another lever is set pieces. France are dangerous from both direct deliveries and second phases, while Ukraine have shown resilience but can be vulnerable to late runs to the back post. If France force multiple corners inside the first half-hour, that pressure can accumulate.

Game state will shape the night. An early French goal would invite controlled management of tempo and selective pressing triggers, reducing the game’s volatility. If Ukraine keep it level beyond the hour, the psychological balance shifts and counterpunching opportunities increase. The visitors’ best scenario is a low-event first half with limited turnovers in their own third, followed by bolder rotations after the break.

Recent form supports the hosts. France opened the group with a disciplined away win in Kyiv and added an authoritative home victory over Azerbaijan. A wild draw in Reykjavik reminded them not to switch off late, but even there, they dominated key phases. Ukraine, meanwhile, surged in October with a high-scoring win in Reykjavik and a composed home success against Azerbaijan. The table reflects those arcs: France lead the pack, with Ukraine close behind and mindful of Iceland’s chase.

Beyond the tactical board, the occasion in Paris adds resonance. The Parc des Princes can create a tight, intense atmosphere, and this fixture falls on a significant date for the city. Expect a determined, professional France display, and a focused, disciplined Ukraine. If France keep control of restarts and avoid inviting counters with sloppy giveaways, their depth and chance creation should tell across ninety minutes.

Bottom line: the analytical edges point toward France by controlling territory, set pieces, and sequences through midfield. Ukraine retain a puncher’s chance through transitions, direct balls into the front, and well-worked dead balls, but they must weather long spells without the ball and be clinical when opportunities appear.

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TV Broadcast & Livestreams

Listings vary by territory and can change near kick-off. Check local schedules.

• France: TF1 (free-to-air) and TF1+ streaming.
• United Kingdom: Amazon Prime Video PPV.
• United States: Fox Sports 2 and streaming via Fox platforms; Fubo and ViX carry coverage in many regions.
• Canada: DAZN.
• MENA: beIN Sports and digital platforms.
• Italy: Sky Sport platforms.
• Global: highlights and selected territories via UEFA.tv where rights permit.

Match Information

Odds (1X2)

Prices are indicative and subject to change. Always confirm with your bookmaker.

Form & Head-to-Head

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Head-to-Head – recent meetings

• 05 Sep 2025 – Ukraine 0-2 France (World Cup Qualifiers)
• 04 Sep 2021 – Ukraine 1-1 France (World Cup Qualifiers)
• 24 Mar 2021 – France 1-1 Ukraine (World Cup Qualifiers)
• 07 Oct 2020 – France 7-1 Ukraine (Friendly)
• 19 Nov 2013 – France 3-0 Ukraine (World Cup Qualifiers)

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Standings – UEFA Group D

Table reflects the latest pre-match positions in Group D.

Prediction

Final score pick: France 2-0 Ukraine

Reasoning: The market has France as strong favorites for good reason. They control territory, carry a set-piece edge, and their wide rotations create consistent cut-back chances. Ukraine have shown resilience and can threaten on the counter, but sustaining pressure for long stretches in Paris is difficult. If France score first, their game management usually keeps risk low and guides the match to a professional two-goal margin.