France has officially booked its ticket to the 2026 World Cup. After a successful qualification campaign that included a win against Ukraine, the team approached their final qualifying match against Azerbaijan in Baku with confidence. Coach Didier Deschamps seized the opportunity to give playing time to several replacements, including Chevalier, Kh\u00e9phren Thuram, Gusto, Akliouche, Ekitike, Nkunku, and Zaire-Emery, all vying for spots on the final roster heading to the United States.<\/p>\n
However, the start of the match brought unexpected drama. Azerbaijan stunned the French side by taking an early lead. After a breakthrough from Dashdamirov caught Gusto off guard, he set up Dadashov for the opening goal, leaving Chevalier helpless (1-0, 6′). This remixed French lineup struggled initially to find their footing and pass effectively against an impressive Azerbaijani side.<\/p>\n
France leveled the score within minutes, thanks to Gusto\u2019s pinpoint cross that found Mateta\u2019s head (1-1, 17′). This equalizer helped reconcile Gusto\u2019s earlier defensive error.<\/p>\n
Once parity was restored, the French team regained its composure. Although Gusto had a goal disallowed due to a handball (24′), a beautiful team play involving Hernandez, Thuram, and Gusto led to Akliouche netting his maiden goal for the national team (2-1, 30′). Following another disallowed goal for Thuram, a miscue from Magomedaliyev allowed Kh\u00e9phren Thuram to score just before halftime (3-1, 45′).<\/p>\n
The second half saw France manage the game effectively. Despite making several substitutions, including bringing on Cherki, Thauvin, and Barcola, they maintained dominance without pushing aggressively for further goals. Thuram nearly scored again, but Bayramov\u2019s sharp reflexes prevented it (73′). By concluding the qualification campaign with five wins and a draw, France topped their group convincingly, while Azerbaijan finished last with only a single point.<\/p>\n
Malo Gusto’s performance was pivotal. Having faced early challenges, he quickly rebounded by providing the assist for the equalizer. His relentless efforts in both defense and attack made him a standout player. His ability to create space and opportunities for others highlighted his skill and determination throughout a match fraught with ups and downs.<\/p>\n
As France rounds off this qualification success, the focus will now shift on preparing for the global stage in 2026, where they aim to make a significant impact.<\/p>\n