Mbappe Matches Henry as France Begin World Cup Qualifying with 2-0 Victory Over ukraine
Paris, France – September 5, 2025 – Kylian Mbappe reached a critically important milestone, equaling Thierry Henry’s tally of 51 international goals, as France comfortably defeated Ukraine 2-0 in their opening match of UEFA World Cup qualifying. The victory provides a strong start for the 2018 World Champions in Group D.
France took the lead early, with michael Olise scoring in the 10th minute, converting a pass from Bradley Barcola. Goalkeeper Anatoliy Trubin kept Ukraine from falling further behind,denying Olise a second goal adn later blocking a shot from Ousmane Dembele following a clever chip from Aurelien Tchouameni.
Ukraine posed a threat with early crosses into the box and rallied after the hour mark. Ibrahima Konate made a crucial goal-line clearance from Ivan Kalyuzhnyi, and Illia zabarnyi hit the post, briefly testing the French defense.
However, any Ukrainian momentum was extinguished in the 82nd minute when Mbappe broke clear on a rapid counterattack, set up by Tchouameni, and slotted home a low drive to secure the win. The goal moves Mbappe into second place on France’s all-time scoring list, just six goals behind leader Olivier Giroud (57).
The match wasn’t without its injury concerns for France. Desire Doue suffered a calf knock before halftime and was substituted at the interval. ousmane Dembele, already managing a thigh issue, aggravated the injury and was replaced by Hugo Ekitike in the 81st minute, earning the young forward his first international cap.
France’s dominant 4-2-3-1 formation proved too much for Ukraine.The result gives Les Bleus an early advantage in Group D, which also features Iceland and Azerbaijan. iceland impressed in their opening fixture, defeating Azerbaijan 5-0.
France will next host Iceland in Paris on Tuesday, while Ukraine travel to Baku to face Azerbaijan.
