Paris, Nov 14 (NationPress) France has officially become the second European country to secure their spot in the 2026 World Cup finals following a dominant win over Ukraine.

Kylian Mbappe found the net twice as France comfortably advanced to the 2026 FIFA World Cup finals with a commanding 4-0 victory against Ukraine in the European qualifiers.

Despite a strong defensive performance from Ukraine in the first half, Mbappé broke the deadlock in the 55th minute by skillfully chipping a penalty straight down the center.

With Ukraine struggling to respond offensively, Michael Olise elegantly spun and finished inside the box to extend the lead to 2-0. Mbappé then added a third before assisting Hugo Ekitiké for his inaugural goal for France.

This victory secures Didier Deschamps' team the top position in Group D, while the outcome of the upcoming match between Ukraine and Iceland will determine the runners-up.

Meanwhile, England maintained their flawless record in the World Cup qualifying campaign with a 2-0 triumph over Serbia at Wembley.

Bukayo Saka volleyed home just before the half-hour mark, putting the Three Lions ahead, while Eberechi Eze sealed the win with a precise finish late in the match.

Having already secured qualification with a 5-0 victory in the previous encounter in Belgrade, Thomas Tuchel’s squad delivered a professional display, achieving a perfect seven wins from seven in Group K without conceding a single goal.

Just before the half-hour mark, Saka capitalized on a deflected shot from debutant Nico O'Reilly, striking with an impressive volley. England dominated the match in search of a second goal, which finally came when substitute Eberechi Eze finished with finesse following a pass from fellow substitute Phil Foden.

Serbia's best chances to equalize came from Dušan Vlahović, but this defeat, alongside Albania's win against Andorra, confirmed that the Orlovi could no longer secure second place in the group.

Alexander Sørloth and Erling Haaland each scored twice in a spectacular 12-minute span as Norway triumphed over Estonia 4-1 in Group I, bringing them close to automatic qualification. Haaland's two goals pushed his tally to 14 in just seven qualifiers, reinforcing his lead in the individual scoring charts.

Italy remains three points behind Norway, whom they will host on Matchday 10, after securing a win against Moldova with late headers from Gianluca Mancini and Pio Esposito.