Having already secured their spot on the 2026 FIFA World Cup, two-time world champions France wrapped up their European Qualifiers marketing campaign in Group D with a 3–1 victory over Azerbaijan.
The win marked a refined end to their qualifying journey, whereas Azerbaijan ended the group stage backside of the desk with one win and 5 losses.
Within the earlier match, France cruised previous Ukraine with a 4–0 victory, guaranteeing themselves the highest spot within the group and turning into the second European group after England to safe qualification for the World Cup.
Deschamps Rotates His Squad
For the ultimate group match, France head coach Didier Deschamps made a number of modifications to the beginning lineup. Chevalier began in objective, with Gusto, Konaté, Lucas, and Theo Hernández forming the backline.
Zaïre-Emery and Khephren Thuram dealt with the midfield pivot, whereas Akliouche, Nkunku, and Ekitike managed the attacking midfield duties. Mateta led the road because the lone striker.
Azerbaijan Strike Early
The match started with a shock. Within the 4th minute, Azerbaijan took an sudden lead when Dadashov met a low cross and slotted the ball previous the French defence.
France reacted shortly and elevated their attacking depth. Within the seventeenth minute, Chelsea full-back Malo Gusto delivered a exact cross from the precise, permitting Mateta to move residence and stage the rating at 1–1.
Within the thirtieth minute, Gusto as soon as once more displayed his crossing high quality. After receiving an extended ball, he despatched in one other sharp supply, which Akliouche tapped into an empty web, giving France a 2–1 lead.
On the forty second minute, Khephren Thuram discovered the web, however the objective was disallowed attributable to a previous handball by Ekitike. Nonetheless, France didn’t have to attend lengthy for his or her third.
Moments earlier than halftime, a nook from the precise pressured Azerbaijan defender Magomedaliev to attain an unlucky personal objective, sending France into the break with a 3–1 benefit.
France Controls the Second Half and Secures a Comfy Win
Within the second half, France maintained full management of the tempo, preserving Azerbaijan at bay and avoiding any vital threats. The rating remained 3–1 till the ultimate whistle, giving France a composed and assured finish to their qualifying marketing campaign.
After the match, Deschamps commented: “We didn’t begin effectively, however the group adjusted shortly and regained management. This match allowed me to watch many gamers’ performances. Aside from Samba, who didn’t get to play, I’ve concluded everybody.”
Ukraine Beat Iceland to Declare a Playoff Spot
Within the group’s different fixture, world No. 27 Ukraine defeated 74th-ranked Iceland 2–0 at residence. Ukraine completed the group with 10 factors, six behind France and certified for the playoffs. Iceland, with 7 factors, completed third and missed out on the World Cup.
Ukraine scored each objectives late within the match. Within the 83rd minute, Khusuliyak assisted Zubkov to interrupt the impasse. In added time, Kaluzhnyi arrange Khusuliyak to seal the victory.
Group D Qualification Finalised
With the ultimate spherical accomplished, France qualify straight for the 2026 World Cup. Ukraine advances to the playoffs seeking the ultimate ticket.
