The French national football team concluded their FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifying campaign with a 3-1 victory over Azerbaijan in Baku on November 16, 2025. The match, held at the Tofiq Bahramov Republican Stadium, saw France maintain their dominant position at the top of UEFA Group D, having already secured their qualification for the upcoming tournament.
Early Setback and Swift Response
Despite fielding a much-changed squad, France experienced an early scare when Renat Dadashov put Azerbaijan ahead in the fourth minute, marking Azerbaijan's first-ever goal against France. However, Les Bleus quickly regrouped. Crystal Palace forward Jean-Philippe Mateta leveled the score in the 17th minute with a close-range header, assisted by Malo Gusto.
France Extends Lead Before Halftime
France continued to press, and their efforts were rewarded on the half-hour mark when Maghnes Akliouche scored his first international goal, tapping in another precise cutback from Malo Gusto. Just before halftime, France further extended their lead through an unfortunate own goal by Azerbaijan goalkeeper Shahrudin Mahammadaliyev, who inadvertently pushed the ball into his own net under pressure from Khephren Thuram in the 45th minute.
Group Dominance and World Cup Preparations
The second half saw fewer goals but France maintained control, managing the game to secure their fifth victory in six qualifying matches. Goalkeeper Lucas Chevalier made his senior international debut for France during the match. With this win, France finished at the summit of Group D with an impressive 16 points. Ukraine secured second place with 10 points, followed by Iceland with 7 points, and Azerbaijan at the bottom with 1 point. Having already booked their place in the 2026 FIFA World Cup, France will now turn their attention to preparations for the tournament, with the draw scheduled for December 5 in Washington D.C.
6 Comments
BuggaBoom
Only 3-1 against a weak team? Expected more goals, honestly.
Loubianka
While it's good to see new players get a chance and score, conceding so early against Azerbaijan highlights some defensive vulnerabilities that need addressing for the World Cup.
Eugene Alta
Mateta and Akliouche scoring! Future looks bright for the team.
Mariposa
It's positive that young talents like Akliouche got their first international goals and Gusto provided assists. However, relying on an own goal to extend the lead shows some lack of clinical finishing.
Muchacha
Qualification secured, now for the main event! Bring on the World Cup!
Raphael
Just Azerbaijan, let's see them against real competition. This win means little.