Wroclaw: France kick off World Cup qualifying campaign with a 2-0 win over Ukraine in Wroclaw on Friday night, thanks to goals from Michael Olise and Kylian Mbappé. The victory was marked by Les Bleus skipper Mbappé drawing level with Thierry Henry as the national team’s second all-time top scorer by notching his 51st goal.

According to France24.com, while France celebrated their successful start in Europe, Morocco made headlines in the African World Cup qualifiers by becoming the first team from the continent to secure a spot at next year’s tournament. They achieved this feat with a commanding 5-0 victory over Niger. In Group A, Egypt maintained their lead as frontrunners by defeating Ethiopia 2-0, with both Mohamed Salah and Omar Marmoush scoring from the penalty spot.

Meanwhile, at the US Open, Carlos Alcaraz advanced to the final, setting up a much-anticipated showdown against Jannik Sinner after overcoming Novak Djokovic. Aryna Sabalenka is also preparing to defend her title in the women’s final on Saturday evening.