France travel to Poland this Friday to face Ukraine in the opening round of their 2026 World Cup qualifiers.
In Group D, which also includes Iceland and Azerbaijan, Ukraine and France are expected to battle it out for the top two spots.
Here’s a full preview of this clash, along with the best football betting odds to help guide your weekend football bets. You can also take advantage of our Cash Out option to secure your winnings before the final whistle.
Ukraine vs France: Match Preview
Ukraine have not featured at a World Cup since 2006, when they reached the quarter-finals against Germany. Their objective this time is crystal clear: to be part of the 2026 edition.
To achieve this, Oleksandr Zinchenko and his teammates will benefit from having landed in a relatively soft group, in which they are considered favourites alongside their Friday opponents.
However, back-to-back defeats in recent friendlies have raised doubts about their form and consistency.
France, on the other hand, should top this group with relative ease, given their undeniable quality. For Serhiy Rebrov’s Ukraine, the realistic target will be to at least secure a play-off spot.
Unlucky semi-finalists in the most recent Nations League, Les Bleus head into this clash with their usual confidence. Anything less than first place in this group would be deemed a failure.
The French squad continues to get stronger and has been bolstered by two newcomers: Hugo Ekitike and Maghnes Akliouche – two atypical attacking profiles who further enhance France’s offensive arsenal.
Didier Deschamps will have to cope without William Saliba in central defence due to injury, but he still has high-quality options with the likes of Benjamin Pavard, Dayot Upamecano and Théo Hernandez.
Ukraine vs France: Odds
*All odds are subject to change
France are heavy favourites for the win here at 1.40. A victory for Ukraine is priced at 9.00, while the draw is available at 4.75.
Ukraine vs France: Betting Tips
France to beat Ukraine @ 1.40
Les Bleus have a far superior squad and are among the favourites for the upcoming World Cup. Despite Ukraine’s determination and fighting spirit, the gap in individual talent and overall squad depth between the two nations is just too wide. Even away from home, France have everything they need to secure a comfortable win.
Both teams to score – Yes @ 2.10
Kylian Mbappé, Michael Olise, Ousmane Dembélé, Desire Doué, Ekitike… France’s attacking options are endless. However, their defence has shown vulnerability at times, especially without Saliba. Ukraine, led by Artem Dovbyk up front and supported by Zinchenko in midfield, could exploit any lapses in concentration to find the net. As such, the “Both Teams to Score” market is worth considering, especially at such great odds!
Over 2.5 goals @ 1.83
With the offensive firepower on display, it’s hard to imagine this match finishing without multiple goals scored. France have the ability to blow away any opponent, but they are also prone to avoidable defensive errors. A lively encounter with at least three goals looks highly probable.
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