Bayern Munich star Franck Ribery believes it would be a "disaster" if France failed to qualify for next year's World Cup in Brazil.

Didier Deschamps' men finished second behind Spain in Group I in World Cup qualifying and need to beat Ukraine in a two-leg playoff if they are to reach next summer's tournament.

France last failed to qualify for the World Cup in 1994 and Ribery is eager to ensure that it avoids the same fate this time around.

"I simply cannot imagine the France team not at the World Cup," he told German news agency SID. "It would be a disaster for us, for everyone, for all of France. We have to play as always: Do not be afraid and do not stress."

France, which was crowned world champion in 1998, travels to Ukraine for the first leg of the playoff Nov. 15, before hosting Mykhaylo Fomenko's men four days later.