France start their path to potential 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification against Ukraine on September 5.
Les Bleus will have a compacted qualification campaign in 2025, with six games split across September, October and November, as part of a four-team Group E.
Didier Deschamps' side lost out to Spain in this summer's UEFA Nations League final series, but they are expected to cruise to top spot in this qualifying group.
The long-serving Deschamps has already confirmed he will step down after the tournament in the USA, Canada and Mexico, but his team will be among the favourites to clinch glory.
Led by captain Kylian Mbappe, France have a squad packed with talent as they get their campaign underway in neutral Wroclaw.
Ukraine vs. France lineups: Predicted starting XI, team news, rosters
Ukraine are still playing designated home matches in Poland due to security concerns over competing in their regular base.
Head coach and former Ukraine international Serhiy Rebrov included several Premier League household names in his squad including Oleksandr Zinchenko, Vitaliy Mykolenko, and Yehor Yarmolyuk. However, Everton full-back Mykolenko had to withdraw due to injury and will see his place in the lineup taken by Vladyslav Dubinchak.
First-choice goalkeeper Andriy Lunin is not included with the Real Madrid man ruled out due to injury. Roma star Artem Dovbyk will lead the Ukraine attack, with Illia Zabarnyi — now at Paris Saint-Germain — anchoring the defence.
Ukraine predicted starting lineup (4-5-1, right to left): Trubin (GK) — Konoplya, Zabarnyi, Matviyenko, Mykolenko — Tsyhankov, Zinchenko, Shaparenko, Kalyuzhnyi, Sudakov — Dovbyk
Full Ukraine roster:
Goalkeepers: Georgy Bushchan, Anatoliy Trubin, Dmytro Riznyk
Defenders: Illia Zabarnyi, Oleksandr Svatok, Valeriy Bondar, Mykola Matvienko, Yefim Konoplya, Taras Mykhavko, Vladyslav Dubinchak, Bohdan Mykhailichenko
Midfielders: Oleksandr Zinchenko, Yehor Yarmolyuk, Ivan Kalyuzhny, Mykola Shaparenko, Nazar Voloshyn, Oleg Ocheretko, Artem Bondarenko, Oleksiy Hutsulyak, Oleksandr Nazarenko, Viktor Tsygankov, Georgy Sudakov, Oleksandr Zubkov
Forwards: Roman Yaremchuk, Artem Dovbyk, Vladyslav Vanat.
Deschamps will be forced into a defensive change after Arsenal star William Saliba was ruled out with an ankle injury.
Liverpool centre-back Ibrahima Konate is set to cover for Saliba's absence despite limping out of the win over Arsenal, with Real Madrid duo Eduardo Camavinga and Ferland Mendy out injured alongside new Manchester City signing Rayan Cherki.
France predicted starting lineup (4-3-3, right to left): Maignan (GK) — Kounde, Upamecano, Konate, Hernandez — Rabiot, Tchouameni, Kone — Dembele, Mbappe, Doue
Full France roster
Goalkeepers: Lucas Chevalier, Mike Maignan, Brice Samba
Defenders: Lucas Digne, Malo Gusto, Lucas Hernandez, Theo Hernandez, Ibrahima Konate, Jules Kounde, Benjamin Pavard, Dayot Upamecano
Midfielders: Manu Kone, Adrien Rabiot, Aurelien Tchouameni, Khephren Thuram
Forwards: Hugo Ekitike, Maghnes Akliouche, Bradley Barcola, Ousmane Dembele, Kylian Mbappe, Michael Olise, Marcus Thuram
MORE: Full details on France roster and Hugo Ekitike's delayed call-up
Ukraine vs. France match details
- Date: Friday, September 5, 2025
- Kickoff time: 8:45 p.m. local / 12:15 a.m. IST (Sep. 6)
- Location: Stadion Miejski, Wroclaw, Poland
- Competition: 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifier
- Referee: Danny Makkelie (NED)