November 14, 2025 | 07:00 am
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - One ticket to the 2026 World Cup has already been claimed. France booked their place in the tournament’s final round with a commanding 4-0 victory over Ukraine at Parc des Princes in Paris in the early hours of Friday, November 14, 2025.
Kylian Mbappe was the standout performer, scoring twice, including a penalty, while Michael Olise and Hugo Ekitike also found the back of the net for Les Bleus. Mbappe’s performance highlighted why he remains one of the world’s most dangerous forwards and a key player for France in major tournaments.
With 13 points from five matches, France currently tops their qualifying group, six points ahead of second-placed Iceland. Even with one game remaining, their position is secure.
France will play bottom-ranked Azerbaijan in their final qualifier on Sunday, a match that will be largely ceremonial given their already confirmed qualification.
This marks France’s eighth consecutive qualification for the World Cup final round and their 17th overall. The team has previously lifted the trophy twice, in 1998 and 2018, and continues to be a powerhouse in international football.
The upcoming tournament will also mark the end of coach Didier Deschamps’ tenure, closing a chapter in which Les Bleus have remained undefeated in European qualifying matches for both the Euro and World Cup since 2019.
France becomes the second European nation to secure a berth in the 2026 World Cup, following England. Fourteen more spots from Europe remain contested, with many top teams still battling to qualify.
The 2026 World Cup will introduce a new format, expanding to 48 teams from the previous 32, offering more nations a chance to compete on football’s biggest stage. So far, 29 teams have confirmed their participation.
Meanwhile, Indonesia’s national team was eliminated in the fourth round of Asian qualifiers, prompting the dismissal of coach Patrick Kluivert.
The 2026 World Cup will run from June 11 to July 19, 2026, and will be co-hosted by the United States, Mexico, and Canada, promising an exciting and expanded tournament for fans worldwide.
Editor’s Choice: Indonesia's Top Court Blocks Police Officers from Taking Civil Posts
Click here to get the latest news updates from Tempo on Google News
Indonesia U-23 Set for Two Crucial Friendlies With Mali Before SEA Games 2025
15 jam lalu
The Indonesian national U-23 football team, currently being prepared for the SEA Games 2025, will have two friendly matches against Mali this week and next week.
Cristiano Ronaldo Confirms 2026 World Cup Will Be His Last for Portugal
18 jam lalu
Cristiano Ronaldo expresses his intention to retire from football in a year or two. The 2026 World Cup will be his last.
Could Indonesia Qualify for the World Cup Without Structured Youth Competitions?
1 hari lalu
LaLiga's Juan Florit Zapata tells Tempo that fixing the youth competition system is the critical step for Indonesia to qualify for the World Cup.
France and Palestine Form Joint Committee to Support Palestinian Statehood
1 hari lalu
President of France Emmanuel Macron and President of Palestine Mahmoud Abbas have agreed to form a joint committee to strengthen the Palestinian state.
Observers Speak Out on Indonesia's U-17 World Cup Journey
1 hari lalu
Football observer Ronny Pangemanan appreciates the journey of the U-17 Indonesia National Team in the FIFA U-17 World Cup 2025.
Ex-French President Nicolas Sarkozy Released After Serving 20 Days in Prison
2 hari lalu
The Paris court ordered the release of former President Nicolas Sarkozy from prison, just 20 days after he entered the La Sante prison on October 21.
Indonesia U-17's Journey Through the 2025 U-17 World Cup So Far
2 hari lalu
Team Indonesia U-17 has completed three matches in Group H of the 2025 U-17 World Cup. Here are some important notes throughout their appearance in this event.
Indonesia's U-17 National Team Beat Honduras, Recording Its First Victory in the U-17 World Cup
3 hari lalu
U-17 Indonesia national team secured a victory in the final match of Group H's preliminary round at the 2025 U-17 World Cup by defeating Honduras 2-1.
Indonesia U-17 National Team to Play Against Honduras This Monday Night
3 hari lalu
Coach of the U-17 Indonesia national team, Nova Arianto, said his team will play a more attacking style when facing Honduras in the 2025 U-17 World Cup.
FIFA Sanctions PSSI Over Riots During Indonesia-Iraq Match
6 hari lalu
FIFA found the PSSI guilty of failing to ensure order and security at the Indonesia vs Iraq match during the 2026 World Cup qualifiers.
