The France national team extended their perfect start in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers with a 3-0 victory over Azerbaijan, a match staged in the North American host nations for the tournament in the United States, Canada and Mexico.
With the win, the mighty France side climbed to nine points and topped Group 4, ahead of Ukraine (four points) and Iceland (three). The result kept them on course for a spot in North America next year, while Azerbaijan remained in a precarious position near the bottom of the table.
Looking ahead, France will travel away to Iceland on Monday, a fixture that could prove pivotal for formal qualification should results elsewhere go their way.
In the standings, Ukraine sit second with four points, Iceland third on three, and Azerbaijan anchor the group with a single point.
Deschamps spoke on Monte Carlo Radio, saying, “I won’t fly with joy; it was a expected win, but we must improve.” He stressed the need for the team to sharpen their approach, especially in the first half, even as the second period showed better energy and organization.
He added that the squad had achieved the required result, even if they did not play their typical game in the opening 45 minutes, noting a pace and aggression deficit. The coach emphasized the opportunity to inject new faces into the lineup and to push forward with a stronger, more dynamic display moving forward.
Deschamps also highlighted Florent Thauvin’s comeback for the national team, praising the experienced Lens forward who scored the third goal after coming off the bench.
Thauvin entered in the 83rd minute, replacing Kylian Mbappé, who was battling an ankle issue and later confirmed unavailable for the upcoming match against Iceland. The federation stated Mbappé returned to training at Clairefontaine but would not be called up for the Iceland game due to the injury, with Real Madrid awaiting his recovery window.
Adrien Rabiot, the Milan-bound midfielder who had joined late in the summer window, played a central role, scoring France’s second goal and helping the team control the game after a cautious start. In his TF1 interview, Rabiot explained that the match demanded patience and perseverance against a compact defense, and he praised the collective effort that allowed France to secure the result.
Mbappé’s absence was addressed by the coach and the camp, with the federation noting no replacement would be brought in for the upcoming Iceland tie. The emphasis was on focusing on recovery and continuing to build cohesion within the squad as the World Cup 2026 quest enters a decisive phase.
Hugo Ekitike, the Liverpool forward, also commented that the team needed more intensity at the start and thanked Deschamps for pushing the group to stay vigilant and ambitious, even when results look secure on the scoreboard.
The federation confirmed Mbappé’s latest ankle setback, stating that while rest is prudent, the natural rhythm of competition means occasional contact and discomfort are part of the game. Mbappé’s return to duty remains on hold until healing progresses, with Real Madrid awaiting his availability.
As the night closed, France’s depth and resilience stood out, with Rabiot’s early impact and Thauvin’s late flourish underscoring a squad ready to adapt under pressure. The road to qualification remains demanding, but the current momentum offers confidence for the next challenge.
Bottom line and a couple of light salvos
Punchline 1: If Deschamps ever misplaces his whistle, he’ll just win the game with a strategic sigh and a perfectly timed pep talk—call it “coach feng shui.”
Punchline 2: Mbappé may be out for Iceland, but in football, the only thing heavier than an ankle is a trophy—so it’s not exactly a vacation for the defense, is it?
