A French second-string side overcame a nervous start to beat Azerbaijan 3-1 on Sunday to complete their 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign having already qualified.
Coach Didier Deschamps changed his entire line-up after Les Bleus sealed their place against Ukraine on Thursday.
France topped European Group D with 16 points from six games after goals from Jean-Philippe Mateta and Maghnes Akliouche, plus an own goal from Shakhruddin Magomedaliyev, helped the country recover from Renat Dadashov’s opener.
The players coming in lacked cohesion at times but showed no lack of motivation, with several roster spots still up for grabs for the tournament in the United States, Mexico and Canada from June 11 to July 19.
The victory ensured France enter the next phase with momentum and will qualify for the World Cup draw on December 5.
France were stunned in the fourth minute when Dadashov collected a cross from Rahman Dashdamirov, who had overwhelmed Malo Gusto on the left flank. Gusto made up for his mistake in the 17th minute with a pinpoint cross for Mateta, who headed home to equalize.
Akliouche shot home from six meters after another assist from Gusto. Four minutes after a goal was disallowed, Thuram thought he had made it 3-1 just before half time, but it was goalkeeper Magomedaliyev who deflected the ball into his own goal.
France had several chances in the second half, but Azerbaijan defended solidly.
Published on November 17, 2025
