This Friday, the French national team will play Ukraine in a 2026 World Cup qualifier at 8:45 PM at the Stadion Miejski. Ahead of the match, Le Parisien and L’Équipe have attempted to predict the starting lineup that coach Didier Deschamps will choose. Six players from Paris Saint-Germain are involved in the match: five for France – Lucas Chevalier, Lucas Hernandez, Désiré Doué, Ousmane Dembélé, and Bradley Barcola – and one for Ukraine – Illya Zabarnyi. Doué and Barcola are expected to start, facing their Ukrainian teammate.
Le Parisien (4-2-3-1) –
Mbappé
Barcola – Olise – Doué
Koné – Tchouaméni
Digne – Upamecano – Konaté – Koundé
Maignan
L’Équipe (4-2-3-1) –
Mbappé
Barcola – Olise – Doué
Koné – Tchouaméni
Digne – Upamecano – Konaté – Koundé
Maignan
We remain cautious; the only certainty is the official lineup, which will be announced approximately 1.5 hours before kickoff. However, the media are often more accurate in predicting Deschamps’ lineups than those of Luis Enrique. The 4-2-3-1 formation is certain, as the coach confirmed it to the press. Furthermore, a standard starting XI is emerging based on recent performances, and the former World Cup winner isn’t known for making many changes.
However, competition for places is fierce, and several options exist. A surprise selection is therefore not impossible. But Doué and Barcola should start. Logically, they have shone in those positions at PSG and already have some experience with the national team.
