France, Italy dominate in 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers
France secured a 2-0 victory against Ukraine, while Italy thrashed Estonia 5-0, boosting their chances of qualification.
France secured a 2-0 victory against Ukraine, while Italy thrashed Estonia 5-0, boosting their chances of qualification.
France secured a 2-0 victory against Ukraine, while Italy thrashed Estonia 5-0, boosting their chances of qualification.
Friday's World Cup qualifiers witnessed France and Italy gain points in style.
France struck early through Michael Olise and sealed their points with a late Kylian Mbappe breakaway to beat Ukraine 2-0. Italy battered Estonia with a 5-0 home win, with Mateo Retegui bagging two goals adding to Moise Kean, Giacomo Raspadori and Alessandro Bastoni's second half contributions.
The result gives France an early edge in Group D against Iceland and Azerbaijan. Italy currently sit third in Group I on six points from three games, with Norway in first place and Israel following closely behind.
Mbappe's 82nd-minute strike, set up by his Real Madrid teammate Aurelien Tchouameni, lifted the forward to 51 international goals, drawing him level with Thierry Henry in second place on France’s all-time scoring list behind Olivier Giroud (57).
The spotlight was also on new Italy manager Gennaro Gattuso, whose side was left rattled after a 3-0 defeat at Norway in June that cost coach Luciano Spalletti his job.
Italy now turn to Monday’s decisive clash against Israel, while France face Iceland next on Tuesday.