France Secure 3-1 Victory over Azerbaijan to Conclude World Cup Qualification Campaign

Key Takeaways:

• France completed their World Cup qualifiers with a 3-1 away win against Azerbaijan
• Group D leaders France finished with 16 points, while Azerbaijan ended in last place with just one point
• Ukraine claimed the playoff spot after beating Iceland 2-0 with late goals from Zubkov and Khutsulyak

Match Analysis: France Overcome Early Setback

The French national team wrapped up their World Cup qualifying journey with a 3-1 away triumph against Azerbaijan in a match that lacked implications for both sides. The hosts stunned the visitors early, with Renat Dadashov opening the scoring in the fourth minute – a moment that proved to be Azerbaijan’s only shot on target throughout the contest.

C’est terminé à Bakou ! L’Équipe de France conclut l’année 2025 en beauté avec une victoire 3-1 face à l’Azerbaïdjan 🔥💙

On se donne désormais rendez-vous en mars pour lancer la préparation à la Coupe du monde 🌎😄#AZEFRA pic.twitter.com/exz4SdGQSB

— Equipe de France ⭐⭐ (@equipedefrance) November 16, 2025

France responded in the 17th minute when Jean-Philippe Mateta restored parity, before Maghnes Akliouche put the visitors ahead just 15 minutes later. The momentum continued for the French side, as Azerbaijani goalkeeper Shakhrudin Magomedaliev scored an own goal just prior to half-time, extending France’s advantage.

Disallowed Goals and Second Half Slowdown

The French side could have led by an even greater margin at the interval, but VAR decisions ruled out efforts from Malo Gusto and Khephren Thuram. After an eventful first half, the second period offered far less excitement, with neither nation managing a shot on target. France noticeably shifted down a gear, evidently content to see out the remainder of the match with energy conservation.

Group D Final Standings and Playoff Outcome

With this result, the French team concluded their Group D campaign at the top of the table, securing a total of 16 points. Azerbaijan remained at the foot of the group, finishing with just one point.

Elsewhere in Group D, Ukraine clinched the playoff spot, leapfrogging Iceland after a crucial 2-0 win. The breakthrough was achieved courtesy of Zubkov in the 83rd minute, and substitute Khutsulyak confirmed victory with a goal in added time.