Ukraine and France meet in neutral Wroclaw in the opening game of Group D, but one that will have a huge impact on who qualifies automatically for next summer's World Cup.
Les Bleus' involvement in the final stages of the Nations League means this is a four-team group that will take just three months to complete, and Didier Deschamps knows a win here will set them on their way as they aim to make a third consecutive final after winning in 2018 and finishing as runners-up in 2022.
It will be the long-serving French manager's final tournament, but Ukraine will be hoping to force them into the playoffs. They will know a result is needed here if they are to have any hopes of automatic qualification for just their second World Cup.
The Sporting News has all the latest odds, tips and predictions for this one.
MORE: Latest odds for the 2026 World Cup
Ukraine vs. France prediction
Ukraine held France to draws in the qualifying stage for the last World Cup, before missing out in the playoffs.
We think similar will happen in Poland, with the hope for Ukraine that they can go one better than last time, and qualify for the World Cup.
The draw is 18/5 with Ladbrokes, with France strong favourites at 4/11, and Ukraine way back at 6/1.
The Sporting News' Score Prediction: Ukraine 1-1 France
- A draw between Ukraine and France is given a 21.7% probability by Ladbrokes.
- Learn more about reading odds, different types of bets and the best online betting sites through our how to bet on football guide
Ukraine vs. France expected lineups
Here's how we think these two sides will line up at the Tarcyznski Arena Wroclaw.
Ukraine lineup (4-2-3-1, right to left)
- Trubin (GK) — Konoplya. Zabarnyi, Matviienko, Mykolenko — Kaliuzhny, Zinchenko — Tsygankov, Shaparenko, Sudakov — Dovbyk
Injured: Andriy Lunin, Oleksandr Tymchyk
Suspended: None
France lineup (4-2-3-1, right to left)
- Maignan (GK) — Kounde, Upamecano, Konate, Theo Hernandez — Tchouameni, Rabiot — Olise, Dembele, Thuram — Mbappe
Injured: William Saliba, Rayan Cherki,
Suspended: None
Ukraine vs. France latest odds, correct score betting
Our 1-1 prediction is at good odds with Ladbrokes, but there are plenty of other possible score lines that are worth looking at for this one. Here's a look at some of the most likely outcomes according to the bookmakers.
Result | Odds* |
France 1-0 | |
France 2-0 | |
France 2-1 | |
France 3-1 | |
1-1 draw |
*Click odds to bet direct with our selected partners. Odds correct at time of publish.
Back your correct score pick with Sky Bet for £50 in FREE bets when you bet £10 on accas
Ukraine vs. France team news
- Andriy Lunin misses out with injury meaning Anatoliy Trubin will deputise against the French.
- New PSG signing Illia Zabarnyi will win his 50th cap for Ukraine at the age of just 23.
- William Saliba and Rayan Cherki are out for the French, while Adrien Rabiot starts despite his dramatic exit from Marseille.
Ukraine vs. France Bet Builder tips
Our bet builder for this game is a draw, both teams to score and France to have more corners and more shots. That is currently over 14/1 with Bet365.
You can check out the latest odds and bet direct with our selected partners using the bet builder tool below.
How to watch Ukraine vs. France : Live stream, TV channel
- Date: Friday, September 5
- Venue: Tarcyznski Arena Wroclaw
- Time: 7:45 p.m. BST
- TV/Stream: Amazon Prime PPV