In a symbolic and emotional evening at the Parc des Princes, the French team faced Ukraine with the clear objective of validating its ticket for the 2026 World Cup. Mission accomplished with a clear and controlled victory (4-0), thanks to a cautious first period then a much more successful second act. Between a panenka from Mbappé, a rise in power from Olise, a first goal from Ekitike and constant domination, the Blues gradually stifled a Ukrainian team which never seemed capable of competing. France thus achieved a large, logical, and above all decisive success to confirm its eighth consecutive qualification for the World Cup. A strong sporting evening, but also marked by a particular context and a collective determination to honor the memory of November 13.
In this context, one name continues to appear in capital letters when it comes to regularity and reliability, that of N’Golo Kanté. However, since his departure to Saudi Arabia, the midfielder with 65 selections is no longer completely unanimous among certain observers and supporters, not for any sporting problems. But many prefer to imagine a future entirely entrusted to Adrien Rabiot and the flamboyant youth with the usual Eduardo Camavinga, Aurélien Tchouaméni, Manu Koné, Khéphren Thuram, Warren Zaire-Emery and Youssouf Fofana. They all embody the future, but since his return to Blue during Euro 2024, Kanté has reminded us game after game that he is much more than a former executive. He remains a very high level player, a metronome, an extraordinary recuperator and a unique stabilizer in Didier Deschamps’ system. The coach may increase the number of tests, but the former Blue is still there at 34 years old.
103 balls touched and 94% successful passes
Against Ukraine, N’Golo Kanté once again delivered an almost clinical performance. With 103 balls touched, phenomenal technical accuracy, relentless activity and a constant presence in key areas of the game, the Al-Ittihad player was everywhere. We also need his 94% of successful passes (84/89), including an impressive 92% in the opposing half, the midfielder ensured the circulation of the ball while providing a link between the lines. Defensively, the native of Rueil-Malmaison recalled that he remained one of the best in the world in reading and reacting: 9 recoveries, 4 tackles including 3 successful, 8 ground duels won, with a decisive pass and two key passes which energized the French offensives. Always fair, always clean, never overwhelmed, Kanté offered a demonstration of activity and intelligence, confirming that he remains a major element as soon as he plays one after another.
With such a performance, N’Golo Kanté imposes an observation that is difficult to avoid. Despite his 34 years and the new generation knocking on the door, he remains one of the most reliable midfielders in the France group. “I don’t know if he’s going to go. I’m not a coach, but N’Golo is a special player. I think that in the history of the France team, he is an important player. We are very happy to have him with us, we will see if he is selected, but if he is selected, he is always a valuable asset», Explained Mbappé in the mixed zone. More than ever, he gives Didier Deschamps rich man’s problems. The coach sees one of his most experienced internationals proving more indispensable than certain young people expected to embody the team’s executives in 2025. A paradoxical situation, but terribly valuable since as long as Kanté displays this level, the competition will have no other choice than to follow his pace… or wait their turn.
