France's Hugo Ekitike celebrates his side's fourth goal during a World Cup 2026 group D qualifying soccer match between France and Ukraine in Paris, Thursday, Nov. 13, 2025. (AP Photo/Christophe Ena)

By The Canadian Press

France qualifies for 2026 World Cup; Ronaldo sent off as Portugal loses to Ireland

Nov 13, 2025 | 3:47 PM

Two goals from star striker Kylian Mbappé helped send two-time champion France to the 2026 World Cup with a 4-0 home win against Ukraine on Thursday.

Midfielder Michael Olise and substitute forward Hugo Ekitiké added the other goals in a dominant second half from France, the World Cup runner-up in 2022.

Portugal star Cristiano Ronaldo was sent off for elbowing Ireland defender Dara O’Shea in the second half of a shock 2-0 defeat at Ireland.

Ronaldo now risks a two-game ban which would see him missing the first match of the World Cup tournament, if Portugal qualifies.

Earlier, Erling Haaland scored twice as Norway moved even closer to qualifying for the World Cup for the first time since 1998 by beating Estonia 4-1 in Oslo. The win virtually secures a spot for the high-scoring Norwegians in next year’s tournament in the United States, Canada and Mexico.

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AP soccer: https://apnews.com/hub/soccer

The Associated Press