Bleu Victory in Baku: Mbappé Absent, France Safely Secures World Cup Spot with a 3-1 Win
France completed its World Cup qualifying campaign with a 3-1 win in Azerbaijan, despite Mbappé not lining up. Renat Dadashov put the hosts ahead early, but France stormed back with goals from Mateta, Akliouche, and an own goal by the Azeri keeper. France tops the group with 16 points, already qualified after a prior win over Ukraine. Deschamps used a rotated lineup as he eyes the World Cup, with late substitutions to rest stars.