France Advances in World Cup Qualifiers with 3-0 Victory Over Azerbaijan

On October 10, 2025, France secured a decisive 3-0 victory against Azerbaijan in a Group D World Cup qualifier held at the Parc des Princes in Paris. Kylian Mbappé opened the scoring just before halftime, followed by goals from Adrien Rabiot and substitute Florian Thauvin, marking a significant step towards qualification for the 2026 World Cup. This win brought France's total to nine points from three matches, positioning them favorably ahead of their upcoming match against Iceland.

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Due to injuries affecting key players such as Ousmane Dembélé, Désiré Doué, and Bradley Barcola, head coach Didier Deschamps made notable adjustments to the squad. Thauvin's return to the national team, after a six-year absence, was particularly significant. Having last played for France in 2019, Thauvin replaced Mbappé in the 83rd minute and scored with his first touch, showcasing his readiness to contribute despite the long hiatus.

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Mbappé's performance was pivotal; he not only scored his 53rd international goal but also assisted Rabiot's goal, further solidifying his role as a leader on the team. However, he limped off late in the match due to an ankle injury, raising concerns about his availability for the next qualifier.

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Deschamps acknowledged the team's lackluster performance in the first half, stating, "We got the result we wanted but not the performance – especially in the first half." He emphasized the need for improved ball circulation and intensity in future matches. Despite the win, he noted that the team must do more to unsettle their opponents.

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Florian Thauvin's comeback to the national team is notable not only for its duration—six years and 120 days—but also for its historical significance. He became the first player in France's history to have such a lengthy gap between caps, surpassing previous records held by Vikash Dhorasso and Karim Benzema. Thauvin's journey reflects resilience, as he transitioned from playing in Liga MX to returning to Ligue 1 with RC Lens, where he has been performing well.

Thauvin Returns to France Squad After Six-Year Absence

Despite the victory, some analysts pointed out that France's performance did not meet expectations, particularly in the first half. Critics highlighted the team's slow start and lack of offensive sharpness, suggesting that improvements are necessary as they move forward in the qualifiers.

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Looking ahead, France will face Iceland in their next qualifier, where they aim to secure their spot in the World Cup. The performance of players like Thauvin and the health of Mbappé will be crucial as the team continues its campaign.

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• “Kylian is in great shape – he’s the leader, the captain, and he was already in this kind of form back in September,” — Didier Deschamps, Head Coach

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• “We got the result we wanted but not the performance – especially in the first half,” — Didier Deschamps, Head Coach

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• “He noted that being away for so long has been a tough journey, but as long as he is a player, he keeps the possibility of representing France in mind.” — Florian Thauvin, Player

Thauvin Returns to France Squad After Six-Year Absence