November 16, (THEWILL) — France survived an early setback to defeat Azerbaijan 3-1 in Baku on Sunday, completing their 2026 World Cup qualifying campaign with a comfortable victory. The visitors fielded a heavily rotated side at the Tofig Bahramov Republican Stadium, with qualification already confirmed following Thursday’s 4-0 win over Ukraine.
Azerbaijan stunned the visitors when Renat Dadashov diverted Rahman Dasdamirov’s cross home at the front post inside four minutes. However, Jean-Philippe Mateta restored parity in the 17th minute, heading in from close range after Malo Gusto delivered a precise cross. The Crystal Palace striker has now found the net in consecutive appearances for Didier Deschamps’ side.
Les Bleus had two first-half efforts ruled out for handball infringements, with Christopher Nkunku and Khephren Thuram both seeing goals disallowed. Despite those setbacks, France entered the interval with a 3-1 advantage after Monaco midfielder Maghnes Akliouche netted his first international goal and goalkeeper Sahruddin Mahammadaliyev punched the ball into his own net under pressure from Thuram.
The second period saw France dominate possession without adding to their tally, with Mateta missing an opportunity to claim a brace and Thuram firing over. Kylian Mbappe was absent from the squad due to an ankle problem, though his presence was not required in a match with nothing at stake.
France finished top of UEFA Group D with 16 points from six matches, six points clear of second-placed Ukraine. Iceland dropped to third following Ukraine’s 2-0 victory elsewhere on Sunday, with Deschamps’ team now preparing for next year’s World Cup in North America.
Jude Obafemi is a versatile senior Correspondent at THEWILL Newspapers, excelling in sourcing, researching, and delivering sports news stories for both print and digital publications.