France secures victory in Baku, strengthens lead

The French national team secured a 3–1 victory over Azerbaijan in Baku, maintaining their lead in Group D of the FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifiers. Despite the historic achievement of scoring a goal against France, the home team was unable to sustain their momentum.

The match began energetically. In the fourth minute, Dadashov converted Dashdamirov's pass to open the scoring.

This was Azerbaijan's first-ever goal against France in official matches. However, the French team quickly equalized.

Gusto delivered a cross from the right flank, and Mateta headed the ball into the net. Azerbaijan tried to push the game away from their goal but gradually lost their grip on the match.

By the middle of the first half, France started to dominate possession confidently. Gusto and Theo Hernandez made active runs down the flanks, while Nkunku found open spaces between the lines.

The second goal came as a result of a quick attack. A ball from the left flank reached Gusto, who delivered it into the box, where Aklyush sent the ball into the far corner with a single touch.

In the final minutes of the first half, a set-piece near Azerbaijan's goal led to the third goal. During a corner kick, Magomedaliyev failed to execute a clean clearance, and the ball deflected into the net.

This was recorded as an own goal by the goalkeeper. In the second half, France adopted a pragmatic approach to the game.

Deschamps’ team controlled the ball for extended periods, varied the pace of their attacks, and gave Azerbaijan few opportunities to threaten. Azerbaijan occasionally attempted to launch attacks but failed to pose a significant threat to the visitors' goal.

As a result, France now leads the group with 16 points, while Azerbaijan remains in fourth place with one point.

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