France Dominates Azerbaijan in World Cup Qualifier

PARIS — In a commanding display, France secured a decisive 3-0 victory over Azerbaijan in the World Cup 2026 qualifying match at the Parc des Princes on October 10, 2025. The win marked another step forward for France in their bid to secure a spot at the upcoming tournament, while Azerbaijan's struggles continue.

Key Moments and Turning Points

The match saw France assert its dominance from the outset, with Kylian Mbappé scoring the opening goal in the 45th minute. Assisted by Hugo Ekitike, Mbappé's strike set the tone for what would be a one-sided contest. As the game progressed, France continued to press, with Adrien Rabiot adding a second goal in the 69th minute. His header from the center of the box, assisted by Mbappé, sealed France's superiority.

In the closing minutes, substitute Florian Thauvin sealed the win with a goal in the 84th minute, ensuring a comfortable victory for the home team. Throughout the match, France's attacking prowess and defensive solidity were on full display, leaving Azerbaijan with little chance of mounting a comeback.

Contextualizing the Result

France's victory is a testament to their recent form, having won their last three matches in the World Cup qualifiers, including victories over Iceland and Ukraine. These results have positioned them firmly at the top of their group with six points from two matches, boasting a goal difference of +3.

Azerbaijan, on the other hand, continues to struggle. They have managed only a single point from their two matches, drawing with Ukraine and losing heavily to Iceland. This defeat to France leaves them at the bottom of their group with a goal difference of -5.

Standings and Implications

This result significantly enhances France's chances of qualifying for the World Cup, solidifying their position in the group. For Azerbaijan, the challenge ahead is daunting, with a steep uphill climb required if they hope to revive their qualifying campaign.

Head-to-Head History

Historically, France has dominated matches against Azerbaijan, with this victory continuing the trend of comprehensive wins. The gulf in class between the two teams was evident throughout the match, as France's squad depth and quality proved too much for their opponents.

Key Players and Moments

• Kylian Mbappé: Opened the scoring with a goal in the 45th minute, setting the tone for France's victory.
• Adrien Rabiot: Scored the second goal with a well-taken header in the 69th minute, effectively ending Azerbaijan's hopes of a comeback.
• Florian Thauvin: Sealed the win with a late goal in the 84th minute, emphasizing France's attacking superiority.
• Red Cards: None were issued during the match, reflecting a disciplined performance from both teams.

Looking Forward

As France continues on their path towards World Cup qualification, they will face tougher challenges ahead. Maintaining this level of performance will be crucial if they aim to secure a spot at the tournament. For Azerbaijan, the immediate focus shifts to regrouping and improving their performance to avoid being left behind in the qualifying group. Their next matches will be pivotal in determining their fate in the competition.

In conclusion, France's victory over Azerbaijan was a testament to their strength and depth, highlighting the significant gap between the two teams. As the qualifying campaign progresses, France's sights will be set on securing top spot in their group, while Azerbaijan faces a battle to stay in contention.