France Qualify as Group Leaders After Azerbaijan Win
France Finish Qualifying With Comeback Win Over Azerbaijan
France wrapped up their World Cup qualifying campaign with a 3–1 victory over Azerbaijan, overcoming an early shock to secure another three points despite already sealing top spot in Group D.
The hosts made a good start, scoring their first-ever goal against France inside four minutes. A quick break from midfield allowed Rahman Dashdamirov to square the ball for Renat Dadashov, who calmly swept his effort past debutant goalkeeper Lucas Chevalier.
The early strike briefly unsettled Didier Deschamps’ heavily rotated side, but they soon found their rhythm. Christopher Nkunku tested the keeper before Jean-Philippe Mateta leveled the match with a well-timed header from Malo Gusto’s delivery in the 17th minute.
France controlled the game from that point forward, gradually wearing down a spirited Azerbaijan team. The world runners-up eventually completed the turnaround with two second-half goals, sealing a professional victory to close out the campaign.
