Les Bleus Bounce Back: France Crush Azerbaijan 3-1

France wrapped up their World Cup qualifying campaign in style, coming from behind to beat Azerbaijan 3-1 in Baku. 

The hosts shocked Les Bleus with an early strike from Renat Dadashov, the first Azerbaijani ever to score against France, but Didier Deschamps’ men quickly flipped the script.

 Jean-Philippe Mateta leveled with a sharp finish, Maghnes Akliouche coolly put them ahead, and an own goal from goalkeeper Sahruddin Mahammadaliyev sealed the win before halftime.  

With Kylian Mbappé sidelined by injury, Mateta seized his chance to shine, while debutants Lucas Chevalier and Akliouche added fresh energy to the squad. Already qualified after their 4-0 demolition of Ukraine earlier in the week, France’s unbeaten run shows they’re not just booking tickets to the 2026 World Cup—they’re sending a message: depth, resilience, and flair are alive and well in Les Bleus.